A man who committed a catalogue of abuse against young children and adults over more than 40 years has today been sentenced.
Douglas Ewen, 58, was given an order for lifelong restriction with a punishment part of five-and-a-half years.
Detective Chief Inspector Lorna Ferguson, who led the investigation, said: “Ewen committed a catalogue of abuse against young children and adults over more than 40 years in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“He has devastated the lives of his victims who have shown great courage in coming forward and giving evidence at trial.
“This horrific abuse can now come to an end and it is my hope that the fact that Ewen will now have to face the consequences of his actions will bring some form of closure for his victims and their families.
“My thoughts, and those of my inquiry team, are with them and those who have supported them today.
“I would also like to thank the team of dedicated and professional staff who worked extremely hard to bring Ewen to justice. This was a particularly distressing case to work on.
“Our hope is that the sentence handed down today sends out the clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.
“We would always encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse no matter how long ago it was to come forward and tell us about it. Reports will always be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”