Rapist, 65, sentenced to 15 years in prison for child abuse

A rapist who sexually abused three young girls in north-east Scotland for more than a decade has been jailed for 15 years.

Robert Foulkes, 65, from Aberdeen, previously admitted two charges of rape and a further offense of indecent behavior towards a child.

The heart transplant patient and retired health and safety officer targeted his victims in the Aberdeenshire area.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Foulkes was given an extended sentence of 18 years, of which the prison term was 15 years. After his release he will be under supervision.

Foulkes pleaded guilty to exposing his first victim to indecent behavior between 2006 and 2010.

Foulkes also admitted raping two other girls between 2013 and 2018.

Solicitor depute Brian Gill KC said Foulkes told one of the victims that the abuse was their “little secret”.

Defense attorney Neil Shand said Foulkes had a heart transplant about a year ago.

He added: “He sincerely regrets his behaviour.”

Judge Lord Young told Foulkes: “You have pleaded guilty to three charges of very serious sexual offenses against young girls.”

The judge said victim impact statements from two of them revealed the impact on their health and education.

Foulkes was told he will be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Scottish Attorney General for Sex Crimes at the High Court, Katrina Parkes, said: “Robert Foulkes posed a significant danger to children through his predatory behaviour.

“The trauma suffered by the victims was paramount during this prosecution. It is thanks to the courage of those affected by Foulkes and his offending that he has now been brought to justice.”