A LABOUR councillor has been jailed after being found guilty of sexual offences against a teenage girl over a seven-month period in 2023.
David Graham, who represents the Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages ward in Fife Council, was convicted last month following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.
According to the indictment, the offences involved sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15.
The offences took place between February 11 and August 21 2023, and were committed at a variety of locations in the Fife and Edinburgh areas.
The 43-year-old was found guilty by a majority of one charge under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.
He has now been sentenced to 27 months imprisonment and will be placed on the sex offenders register for a decade.
Following the sentencing, Fife Council leader David Ross said: “This case has shocked us all and I am pleased that this means David Graham will now be disqualified from serving as a councillor on Fife Council.
“I want to pay tribute to the bravery of the young person involved in this case in coming forward and hope that today’s sentencing goes some way towards her healing process.
“David Graham should have resigned as a councillor as soon as he was convicted if not before, and his disqualification will be welcomed across the Council.”
Detective Inspector Graham Watson previously said: "Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim.
"He was well-known and in a position of power when the offending took place.
“I would like to thank the female for her assistance in bringing him to justice.
"We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it.
"Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies."
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Graham held a position of trust and authority in the community which he chose to exploit to groom and sexually abuse a vulnerable teenage girl. She has shown immense courage in helping to ensure that Graham faced justice for his crimes.
"It is now vital she gets the support she needs to move forward with her life. No matter how long ago it happened or who the perpetrator was, we would urge victims of sexual abuse to reach out for help with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported.
“Childline is available 24/7 for any child or young person who needs someone to speak to by calling 0800 1111 or visiting childline.org.uk. Adults with concerns over the wellbeing of a child and victims of abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline for support and advice on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.”
