Trans rapist who 'robbed' girls of innocence jailed for nine years

A transgender woman who carried out a series of sex attacks on young girls has been jailed for nine years.

Serenity Francis Johnston, 34, abused three children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in Livingston, West Lothian, between November 2006 and April 2012.

Johnston targeted girls who were aged between eight and 15. The attacks included sexual assaults and rape.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Johnston - a biological male formerly known as David who now identifies as a woman - was jailed for nine years with the judge saying the victims were "robbed" of their innocence and happiness.

Lord Mulholland said the sentences reflected Johnston's lack of remorse" for the girls preyed upon.

He added: "The rapes of young children is a very serious matter and a lengthy prison sentence will be imposed on those who commit such crimes.

A jury previously heard evidence of how Johnston's first victim was aged nine when the abuse began.

The court heard how Johnston carried out indecent and sexual assaults on the girl and raped her.

On an occasion between March 1 2011 and September 30 2012, Johnston raped another girl at a house in Livingston.

The court also heard that in 2012, Johnston also carried out another sexual assault on a third girl who was aged 15.

Johnston had denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty at the High Court in Livingston last month.

Following the conviction, Mulholland said: "These are very serious offences to rape children. You'll pay a very heavy price for what you did."

Defence advocate Jonathan Crowe told Lord Mulholland his client had a "troubled childhood" and takes medication for anxiety and panic attacks.

He said Johnston had been subjected to serious bullying during his life.

He added Johnston was now in a relationship with a woman and has the support of family members.

But Lord Mulholland said the nature of the crimes meant that the only appropriate disposal was a jail sentence.

The judge added: "What you did corrupted their innocence and early childhood years. You have robbed them of their childhood and caused them long lasting psychological damage."

He said Johnston's lack of remorse and being a first-time offender was taken into account.

Johnston was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.