Locations
Saltcoats, Ayrshire, KA21
Description
A RAPIST who systematically groomed and abused eight vulnerable young girls over the course of 16 years has been jailed.
Gary MacPherson, 58, committed the crimes over the course of 16 years between 2005 and 2022 in Paisley, Glasgow and Orlando.
The majority of his eight victims were children when the abuse began and continued into adulthood.
MacPherson was sentenced to 13 years in prison at the High Court in Paisley on Monday, 30 June, 2025.
He had previously been found guilty at the High Court in Paisley on Monday, 12 May, 2025.
Paedo, Gary MacPherson was jailed in Glasgow for 13 years for abuse of children (Image: Police Scotland)
Gary MacPherson was found guilty of 22 charges. The 58-year-old of Saltcoats committed the offences at various locations, including at his former home in Paisley.
The prosecution led evidence from the victims, which detailed a pattern of offending behaviour by the accused as he tried to gain their trust.
The court heard how MacPherson kitted his home out with things that children enjoy, including a pool, a hot tub, a cinema room, a trampoline and various pets.
He lured in one of the victims after sending her messages about his dog Bonnie on social media.
He told several of the victims not to disclose the abuse as they would get him into trouble.
The offending also included taking pictures of the girls without their consent and stalking behaviour.
The youngest child was six-years-old when the abuse began.
On 30 June 2025 at the High Court in Paisley, MacPherson was given a 17-year extended sentence with 13 years in custody.
His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Non-harassment orders, banning MacPherson from contacting or attempting to contact seven of the victims, were also granted for an indefinite period.
The messages sent to lure one of his victims.
Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Gary MacPherson inflicted unimageable trauma as he systematically moved from victim to victim.
“The evidence led by our specialist prosecutor demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming behaviour that allowed him to gain access to these children.
“It is thanks to them reporting their experiences that MacPherson will now face the consequences of his depraved actions while also protecting others from harm.
“This prosecution sends a clear message to those who commit this type of offending - you cannot hide from justice, and we will do everything within our power to ensure you are held accountable.
“I would urge anyone affected by sexual abuse to report it, regardless of how long ago it took place. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to protect communities in Scotland by prosecuting those responsible.”
Detective Inspector Euan McMillan said: “MacPherson is an abusive individual who subjected his victims to a prolonged period of abuse showing an utter disregard for the impact this would have on them.
"We acknowledge how difficult it can be for victims of sexual abuse to come forward and I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure.
“I would also like to thank my team of officers whose perseverance and dedication has ensured MacPherson has been brought to justice.
“We continue to be committed to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice. Time is no barrier to our enquiries. I would urge anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime, regardless of when it happened, to contact us so we can conduct a thorough and professional investigation.”