A pensioner could face the rest of his life behind bars after being found guilty of four historic sex crimes.
William Farmer was yesterday convicted of raping and sexually assaulting children as young as seven.
A jury took just an hour to unanimously find the 82-year-old guilty following a trial at the High Court in Aberdeen.
The offences took place on various occasions between 1981 and 1993 at locations around Moray.
Last night, a relative of one of his victims said they had been affected “horrendously” and were serving their own life sentences.
Farmer, of Chanonry Road, Elgin, was convicted of raping a girl on multiple occasions between 1981 and 1989 at various addresses.
He also carried out sexual acts on the girl, and another youngster between 1983 and 1993.
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Farmer was put on the sex offenders register, and will be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh next month.
Last night, a relative of Farmer’s victims said they hoped he spent the rest of his life behind bars.
“I’m very relieved with the result, but it’s been really difficult,” she said.
“They found him guilty unanimously, but the truth is it’s his victims that have had the real life sentence here.
“It’s affected them horrendously. They’ve gone on to do well for themselves in their lives, but it’s been hard.
“He put the fear of God into every one of them.
“I had every faith the jury would see through him and see him for who he really is, and they did.”
“I’m hoping that at 82 years old, he will never come out of prison again.
“This should have happened years ago, he shouldn’t have been able to be free for all of this time after what he’s done.
“I’m just glad the victims never, ever have to see his face again and he can’t do any more harm.”