Rapist cleaner preyed on young sleeping children in decades of abuse

**Rapist Cleaner Jailed After Decades of Child Abuse**

In a horrifying case of child sexual abuse, a cleaner named Alan Todd has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his offences spanning from 2001 to 2019. The 54-year-old was found guilty of five charges after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Todd’s victims were young children, aged just seven and 13, who were targeted while they were asleep in their beds. The abuse took place at various locations in Edinburgh over nearly two decades.

The court heard that Todd wrote inappropriate letters and a card to one of the victims, expressing his love for her and even mentioning marriage. He went on to assault the same child by grabbing her by the throat.

Additionally, Todd sexually assaulted and raped another victim repeatedly when they were under the age of 13, over a three-year period. The extent of his crimes only came to light when he was arrested and charged in May 2020.

During sentencing, Todd received a 13-year extended sentence, with 10 years to be spent in custody. His name has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, and he has been issued non-harassment orders preventing contact with the victims for 15 years.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes, emphasised the importance of victims coming forward and seeking justice. Detective Constable Jill Urquhart of Police Scotland praised the victims’ courage in speaking out and encouraged other survivors of sexual crimes to report their experiences.

The trauma inflicted by Alan Todd on his victims serves as a harrowing reminder of the need to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.

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**Insights and Summary**
The case of Alan Todd highlights the disturbing reality of child sexual abuse and the lifelong impact it can have on survivors. It is crucial for society to support victims in coming forward, seeking justice, and holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous acts. The bravery of the victims in this case serves as a beacon of hope for others who may have suffered in silence. It is imperative for law enforcement and legal authorities to continue to investigate and prosecute cases of child abuse to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.