Robin Bolland

A Huntly lorry driver has been imprisoned for a minimum of nine years after admitting to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against a teenage girl in Aberdeenshire. Robin Bolland, who worked in the north-east, targeted a 13-year-old victim starting in October 2018, subjecting her to rape and forced sexual acts over nearly 18 months until she confided in her parents.

The abuse occurred at various locations across the region, including nights spent in Bolland's truck where he carried out the assaults. According to court proceedings at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Bolland admitted to a charge of sexually abusing the child during this period. The case came to light when the girl revealed the horrific details to her family, prompting police involvement.

• Bolland's actions involved taking the girl away for extended periods, exploiting his position to perpetrate the crimes.
• The prosecution highlighted the repeated nature of the offences, describing them as a 'sick campaign of abuse'.

Sheriff Gordon Barrett, during sentencing, emphasised the severity of the crimes, stating that Bolland's predatory behaviour warranted a substantial custodial term. The minimum tariff of nine years reflects the gravity of the child sex offences, with the possibility of an extended sentence. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Police Scotland to combat sexual exploitation in rural communities.

Local reports from the Press and Journal detailed the courtroom atmosphere, where the impact on the victim was poignantly described. Bolland showed no remorse in his admissions, leading to the maximum penalties under Scottish law for such offences.