Fife pensioner jailed for historical sex crimes in Dunfermline

Author: Paul ReillyPublished 30th Apr 2024
Last updated 30th Apr 2024

A Fife pensioner has been jailed for historical sexual offences in Dunfermline.

70-year-old Charles Donnelly raped and assaulted two children and a woman in the city between 1977 and 1992.

He was sentenced to nine years in prison today (Tuesday) after pleading previously pleading guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh in March.

"Complex and disturbing case"

Detective Constable Karen Nairn, of the Non Recent Child Abuse Investigations Team, said: “This was a complex and disturbing case and it is right that Donnelly now has to face the consequences of his disgraceful actions.

"My thoughts remain with the victims and their families.

"This conviction is a direct result of them coming forward.

"They have shown immense courage in reporting these crimes so that Donnelly has now been held accountable for his actions.

American doctor dies 3 weeks after hit by van in Edinburgh

"I hope that his conviction gives them some comfort and they can try and move forward with their lives.

“Police Scotland is wholly committed to tackling all cases of child abuse, regardless of when the crimes occurred, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to support any victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on the hour, every hour, at Forth 1. Listen on FM, via our Radio Forth app, on your DAB radio, online at Forth1.com, or say ‘Play Forth 1’ on your Smart Speaker.