Latest Offenders Berwickshire

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An 81-year-old paedophile, Henry Renton, who posed as a kindly pensioner, was exposed and arrested for raping and abusing a young girl in Northumberland after her father used Sarah's Law to check his background.

Already serving a 15-year sentence in Scotland for multiple child rapes—with an earliest release in 2032—Renton now faces additional prison time, and his barrister says he is likely to die behind bars.

The abuse surfaced when social services prompted the father to apply under Sarah's Law, revealing Renton's prior convictions. The victim then disclosed the ordeal, which began with "accidental" groping followed by apologies and £5 payments.

Prosecutor Joe Culley said: "Things escalated from there. He plied her with alcohol and paid her money. He asked if he was too ugly for her and she describes feeling sorry and guilty. This was manipulation into sexual activity with him."

Renton was convicted of two counts of rape, two of sexual assault of a child, five of sexual activity with a child, and one of assault by penetration.

In her impact statement, the victim said: "The abuse I suffered has ruined my life. When I smell the smell of an elderly person, it reminds me of him and makes me feel sick.

"If I'm reminded of his smell or hear his voice in my head, it ruins my day. I feel sick because of what he did to me.

"No matter how much I rub and clean my skin, I can't rid myself of those memories."

She added: "I hear (Renton's) voice in my head and I struggle to sleep. When I do sleep I have nightmares involving him.

"It's damaged my mental health significantly and I've lost self-confidence. I used to be a happy girl but not now."

Defending, Lorraine Mustard said: "He is unlikely to be released from prison. He is more likely than not going to die in prison."

Judge Stephen Earl adjourned sentencing until December 19, telling Renton: "It's a realistic prospect that you will receive a lengthy prison sentence."

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Justice has finally caught up with a child sex offender who abused two young girls decades ago.

Behind the facade of Kenneth Runciman's apparent respectability lurked the secret of his vile behaviour years ago, which left his victims traumatised. Now the 66-year-old is finally behind bars after jurors convicted him of 13 offences.

As he was locked up at Newcastle Crown Court, statements were read from both victims outlining the devastating impact his offending had on them.

One woman said: "I coped with what happened to me as a child by pushing it to the back of my mind. I did this while it happened and afterwards and years later."

She said Runciman told her his abuse was "our secret" but added: "I felt disgusting, like it was my fault.

"I went to school and tried to be normal with my friends. I wanted their life, not a life where I was worrying about the next sexual abuse happening."

The other victim added: "I don't feel like a victim, I feel brave, strong and justified. My conscience is clear and I'm glad I don't have to live with yours."

Runciman, formerly of Ayton, in Berwickshire, was found guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault and two of indecency with a child. He was jailed for 13 years and must sign the sex offenders register for life.

Judge Tim Gittins told him: "You fall to be sentenced for sickening behaviour." The judge said Runciman had sought to "blacken the name" of one of the victims by claiming she had an ulterior motive for reporting his offending and claimed the second victim was lying - which was rejected by the jury.

Judge Gittins added: "It says something for their strength of character and determination that they have been finally vindicated, having lived with the burden of your abuse while you have got on with your life...as a man of apparently good character and respected in the community."

The judge labelled his abuse "vile" and paid tribute to the "eloquent, poignant and powerful" victim statements, which "make it clear you blighted their childhoods". He added: "It appears, thankfully, they will come through this not as victims of your offending but survivors of it, but that's no thanks to you.

"No sentence can replace two lost childhoods."

Brian Mark, defending, said Runciman continues to deny the offences.