A man has been jailed for twelve years for a horrifying series of offences against children including rape and allowing a child to be raped, cruelty and neglect. Police are now appealing for help to hunt down Thomas Nelson’s associates – they believe up to twenty more abusers could be guilty of horrific crimes.
Thomas Nelson persistently abused four young children over a 10 year period beginning in the mid 1990s, using a belt and a knife as weapons on some occasions. One of these children he subjected to a rape when she was just five, as well as offering her to other men to sexually abuse; he also seriously sexually assaulted another teenage girl.
Nelson admitted the neglect charges but denied the others but following a trial at Edinburgh High Court he was yesterday found guilty today and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Detective Inspector Donnie Macleod of the Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh said: “This is one of the most appalling cases of child abuse I have seen. He was in a position of trust, yet Nelson systematically abused these children and their lives continue to be affected by the wilful neglect and horrifying acts he inflicted on them. Supporting all the victims, whether through specially trained officers or our partners, is a priority.
“Upon receiving information about some of the crimes he committed, a detailed investigation was carried out which uncovered this sickening catalogue of offending. Nelson’s crimes make him a very dangerous man – and his failure to admit what he has done only amplifies that. He will be monitored by the authorities following the prison sentence that is to come.
“I hope that today’s conviction helps others who may be in a similar position to come forward and speak up about what they have experienced. No matter how long ago the offences happened, the person who committed them would still remain a danger to children and we will do everything we can to bring them to justice and keep young people safe.
“We will continue to investigate should we receive any information about Nelson’s associates. We believe that he allowed up to 20 other men to rape the young girl and I would urge anyone with any knowledge of this to contact Police Scotland or Crimestoppers so we can make further inquiries.”
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