The death of a Scottish RAF serviceman, who was convicted of sexually abusing six young girls, is set to be investigated by a sheriff after he passed away in prison. Gordon Pinkerton, from Aberdeen, was sentenced to 15 years in 2013 for his crimes which spanned over five decades. The abuser, who was 76 years old at the time of his death in April 2020 at HMP Dumfries, was believed to have contracted suspected Covid-19. The preliminary hearing for the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is scheduled to take place on December 9 at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
Pinkerton’s heinous acts of abuse started in 1963 and persisted until 2011. One of his victims recounted that he had visited her family home in his RAF uniform and proceeded to assault her after narrating stories about the Air Force. The man was found guilty of raping two girls when they were just six years old. During his trial at the High Court in Glasgow, one victim revealed that she had tried to take her own life due to the shame inflicted upon her. Judge Lord Matthews condemned Pinkerton for his “appalling catalogue of abuse of vulnerable young girls” and highlighted the lasting impact it had on the victims’ lives. The judge also deemed the offender to be at a high risk of re-offending.
The Daily Record’s WhatsApp community offers a platform for receiving the latest news updates and headlines straight to your messages. By joining the community, members can stay informed about breaking news and exclusive offers. The investigation into Pinkerton’s death is a significant development in shedding light on the long-lasting effects of sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable even posthumously.
In summary, the investigation into the death of Gordon Pinkerton, a former RAF serviceman convicted of sexually abusing young girls, underscores the enduring impact of such crimes and the imperative to seek justice for the victims. The forthcoming inquiry will provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding Pinkerton’s demise and serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from abuse.