Former resident jailed for sex abuse

Cases date back to 1974

A former Island resident has been jailed for a string of historical sex offences in Scotland.

David Philips, who's 57, was sentenced to seven years at Edinburgh High Court last week.

Philips had previously pleaded guilty to the offences, described as 'very serious' abuse against four young boys, in Stranraer between 1974 and 1981.

Some of the attacks were carried out on a boat tied up in the town's harbour.

The lorry driver had moved to the Isle of Man to try and 'put [the crimes] behind him', and lived in Ramsey until his arrest in 2016.

His conviction follows a six year historical probe by Police Scotland.

The court heard how Philips' victims 'did not forget what happened to them', and that his offences had had 'lasting effects' on them.