A MAN who was convicted of historic sex abuse against an actress when she was just 11 years old has been put behind bars for three years.

Colin McKissock, 65, was tried by a jury, last month, for the sexual offences which took place in the 1980s while the woman was in Ayr.

McKissock, who then lived in Prestwick, was found guilty of exposing himself and showing her pornographic films and magazines.

He even got her to read from them at a bungalow on Roman Road, Ayr.
He also performed a sex act in her presence, used a sexual aid, asked her to expose herself, which she did, and made her perform a sex act while making sexual comments towards her.

The incidents took place on various occasions between April 24, 1982 and April 23, 1983 when the girl was between 11 and 13-years-old.

A similar incident took place in a car in the Carrick Hills. Between 1983 and 1984 at Roman Road, Neilshill House, Neilshill Park, within a car in the Carrick Hills McKissock behaved in the same way.

McKissock, was also found guilty of indecent practices and behaviour towards the girl’s friend, who was aged between 10 and 11 at the time, by exposing himself, getting her to carry out a sex act on him and making sexual comments towards her.

The 65-year-old appeared before Sheriff Desmond Leslie at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing on Wednesday, March 15. 

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Victoria Dow, said: “Mr McKissock was convicted by the majority of jurors following his trial, but he continued to deny his offences which is perhaps unsurprising.

“My submission to the court is that he is of low risk of re-offending and moderate risk of harm [to the public]. It has been 30 years since his offences and there have been no further allegations. 

“I would move the court to impose a community based disposal. He is 65-years-old and can be monitored within the community.

“For that reason I say a custodial sentence is not the only appropriate option.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Leslie, said: “It is clear you used your charm, wealth and privileged position in the house to exploit and abuse the child who is now the principle complainer in this case.

“This happened three decades ago and in my view that does not diminish the gravity of the offences. You stole the last years of this woman’s childhood.

“You have shown no remorse and that is greatly concerning. I am unable to move away from a custodial sentence.

“I have looked at whether or not I can deal with this in any other way but I am concerned about the devious nature of these crimes which have been committed.”

McKissock was jailed for three years and will be placed on the sex offender’s register indefinitely.