A sex offender who preyed on young girls and plied his victims with cigarettes, alcohol and money has been jailed.

Derek Lamond, 59, raped one victim and attempted to rape another during a campaign of abuse that spanned more than 20 years.

The former farmworker also offered the girls cash to expose themselves to him.

Lamond’s crime spree began in 1995 and continued until 2017.

He has now been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Lamond targeted his victims at addresses in Fife as well as during car journeys elsewhere in Scotland.

A court heard how one of the girls was aged just four when the abuse began.

Khasha Smith: Detectives continue to delve into life of missing Edinburgh mum who was last seen almost a year ago

Pictish ring believed to be more than 1,000-years-old found during Burghead fort dig

Scottish government confirms £500m spending cuts

Lamond was said to have assaulted and raped her in a parked car when she was aged between seven and 10.

The second victim was preyed upon from the age of seven and suffered an attempted rape attack during an assault at a house.

Lamond denied any wrongdoing when interviewed by police, stating: “I think it has all been made up.”

However, Lamond was last month convicted of 10 offences following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

His crimes included assault and rape, assault and attempted rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, indecent behaviour, and lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Child victims affected ‘well into adulthood’

Judge Lord Renucci stated: “The harm you have caused to the complainers has continued to affect them well into adulthood.

“This is your third conviction for sexual offences – with your continued denials I am satisfied that the risk you pose is significant.

“You continue to deny the offences. You continue to blame your victims and suggest that their actions were motivated by financial gain.

“There is no alternative to a custodial sentence and given the nature of the offences it must be a lengthy custodial sentence.”

Read more from Sky News:
Rapist sprayed woman with aftershave
Electrician hid cameras in people’s homes and secretly filmed them

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

‘Abhorrent campaign of abuse’

Lamond was handed a 15-year extended sentence – with 12 years in jail and three years on licence once released back into the community – on his return to the dock for sentencing on Wednesday.

He was also added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s procurator fiscal for high court sexual offending, said: “Derek Lamond manipulated and exploited these young children in an abhorrent campaign of abuse.

“His victims have shown great courage and strength by coming forward and reporting him to the authorities.”

Detective Constable Emma Moyes added: “Derek Lamond will now face the consequences of his appalling and predatory behaviour.”

Related posts:

Cocaine smugglers jailed after jet ski runs out of fuel in the North Sea Woman dies after being incorrectly excluded from cervical screening programme ‘Total chaos’ at UK airports on busiest weekend this year – with COVID checks and lack of staff blamed Anti-obesity pilot scheme to reward healthy living with vouchers to be launched in England Girl, 12, dies after being hit by van as she got off bus Could it be the hottest day of the year? Temperatures set to reach 33C as heatwave continues Police believe Constance Marten’s baby may have been dead for ‘several weeks’ Starmer appoints partygate investigator Sue Gray as new chief of staff Former head of Royal Marines died by suicide, inquest concludes Pro-Palestinian protesters ‘crossed line’ with demos at MPs’ homes and offices Christmas ‘party planner’ drug dealer becomes first to be jailed for possession of laughing gas Man who died after motorway police chase named