Paedophile who preyed on children for almost 50 years 'laughed' during discussion over sentence length

A sexual deviant who preyed on children for almost half a century has been handed a life sentence with at least seven years behind bars.

Russell Pender, 70, was criticised by a judge for showing "no remorse" after being convicted of 18 sexual offences against six victims - which included the rape of a child.

In her sentencing statement, Judge Louise Arrol KC said: "The social work report noted that you continued to deny the offences, and showed no remorse.

"Indeed, you laughed when discussion took place about the length of sentence to be imposed.

"Most disturbingly, you narrate a history of you being abused, thus the abused has now become the abuser.

"To me, the account of your interview displayed highly concerning attitudes by you."

At the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, Pender was sentenced to an order for lifelong restriction (OLR) with a minimum of seven years in jail.

An OLR is a sentence usually reserved for the most serious court cases in Scotland that do not involve murder.

If Pender is ever released back into the community, he will remain under a lifelong risk management plan.

Police Scotland said the Pender's crimes against the youngsters took place at various locations in Edinburgh, Midlothian and Fife between 1972 and 2021.

Judge Arrol said the offences "escalated in their level of seriousness", from lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour to statutory rape.

The judge highlighted a risk assessment order prepared, noting: "Your personality pathology, denial, paedophilic disorder and sexual deviance are chronic, stable characteristics that I am told are not anticipated to diminish with age alone.

"You lack empathy, remorse and fail to accept responsibility. You select the most vulnerable victims."

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Alongside the OLR and jail term, Pender was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely and banned from contacting his six victims.

Judge Arrol paid tribute to the "bravery" of the complainers, adding: "You took away their childhoods; nobody should have to endure that."

Following the court case, Detective Inspector Keith Taylor branded Pender a "dangerous sexual predator who preyed on people in the most horrific way".

He added: "I only hope they take some comfort from knowing their abuser is now behind bars, and facing the consequences of his despicable actions.

"I know how difficult it can be to report crimes of this nature, and would like to commend the victims for their honesty and strength during the investigation.

"Their information was vital in helping us build our case against Pender."

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