Description
A transgender woman has been jailed for nine years for a series of sex attacks on young girls.
Serenity Francis Johnston, 34—a biological male formerly known as David who now identifies as a woman—abused three children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in Livingston, West Lothian, between November 2006 and April 2012.
Johnston targeted girls aged eight to 15, committing sexual assaults and rape.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Mulholland sentenced Johnston, noting the victims were "robbed" of their innocence and happiness, and that the sentences reflected Johnston's "lack of remorse" for the girls preyed upon.
He added: "The rapes of young children is a very serious matter and a lengthy prison sentence will be imposed on those who commit such crimes."
The jury heard how Johnston's first victim was nine when the abuse began, involving indecent and sexual assaults, and rape.
Between March 1, 2011, and September 30, 2012, Johnston raped a second girl at a house in Livingston.
In 2012, Johnston sexually assaulted a third girl, aged 15.
Johnston denied the charges but was convicted at the High Court in Livingston last month.
Post-conviction, Lord Mulholland said: "These are very serious offences to rape children. You'll pay a very heavy price for what you did."
Defence advocate Jonathan Crowe said Johnston had a "troubled childhood," takes medication for anxiety and panic attacks, endured serious bullying, is in a relationship with a woman, and has family support.
Lord Mulholland replied that the crimes' nature required jail: "What you did corrupted their innocence and early childhood years. You have robbed them of their childhood and caused them long lasting psychological damage."
He noted Johnston's lack of remorse and first-time offender status were considered.
Johnston was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.