Scots paedo who went on the run in Thailand is jailed over disturbing child abuse case

A Scottish paedophile who evaded authorities in Thailand for several years has been sentenced to jail for a disturbing child abuse case. John Martin, aged 74, was extradited back to Scotland by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in December 2023 after fleeing to Bangkok. The predator faced trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and was found guilty on three charges on 25th October 2024. Martin subjected two young girls to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse spanning nearly a decade from the mid-1980s to the 1990s. The abuse occurred at various locations in Perth & Kinross, Fife, and East Lothian, including his former residence, Letham House. Today, he has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison, added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and issued a non-harassment order preventing contact with his victims for 20 years. Lynne Barrie, Procurator Fiscal for Lothian and Borders, commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward and emphasized the commitment to pursuing justice for victims of sexual abuse.

Duncan Burrage, NCA Liaison Officer for Thailand, highlighted the collaborative effort between multiple agencies that led to Martin’s arrest and extradition, underscoring the NCA’s determination to prosecute British child sex offenders worldwide. Police Scotland Sergeant Richard Robson expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, commending their courage in reporting the crimes and reaffirming the commitment to combating child abuse cases. He encouraged anyone affected by such crimes to come forward, emphasizing the importance of timely reporting. The success of this case was attributed to effective collaboration between various law enforcement agencies both domestically and internationally, reflecting a concerted effort to hold offenders accountable.

In summary, the case of John Martin serves as a stark reminder of the persistent efforts to pursue individuals involved in child abuse cases, regardless of geographical boundaries. The cooperation between different agencies underlines a collective commitment to seek justice for victims and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The bravery of the victims in speaking out against abuse underscores the importance of supporting survivors and the significance of reporting such crimes to prevent further harm.