Charles Donnelly jailed for serious sexual offences

A 70-year-old man has been jailed for nine years for serious sexual offences against children and adults in Fife.

Charles Donnelly was sentenced today (Tuesday, 30 April, 2024) for a series of sexual crimes, including rape and assault, committed against two children and a woman in Dunfermline between 1977 and 1992.

Donnelly previously pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 26 March, 2024.

Detective Constable Karen Nairn, of the Non Recent Child Abuse Investigations Team, said: “This was a complex and disturbing case and it is right that Donnelly now has to face the consequences of his disgraceful actions.

"My thoughts remain with the victims and their families. This conviction is a direct result of them coming forward. They have shown immense courage in reporting these crimes so that Donnelly has now been held accountable for his actions. I hope that his conviction gives them some comfort and they can try and move forward with their lives.

“Police Scotland is wholly committed to tackling all cases of child abuse, regardless of when the crimes occurred, and we will continue to work alongside our partners to support any victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice.”