Notorious Edinburgh paedophile found to have abused further victims

A notorious paedophile who is serving a life sentence after raping children was found to have abused further victims on Tuesday.

Morris Petch, 67, was jailed for life in 2007 as part of a child abuse ring who preyed on youngsters in Edinburgh.

One of the victims, Dana Fowley, went on to write a book recounting what happened to her at the hands of her mother, Petch and others.

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Police began an operation investigating further allegations of historical abuse perpetrated by the serial molester while he was continuing to serving his life term.

A judge at the High Court in Edinburgh found a further four charges brought against him to be established following "compelling" evidence from witnesses who testified during an examination of facts.

Judge Michael O'Grady KC ordered that Petch should be placed on the sex offenders' register for a five year period. Petch was not present during the court proceedings after he was ruled to be unfit to stand trial.

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His solicitor advocate Gordon Martin said: "He is unfit for trial as a result of medical conditions which have caused a deterioration in his ability to actively participate in the court process."

He said Petch has diabetes, cardio vascular disease and has suffered a number of strokes which has resulted in cognitive impairment and communication problems.

Mr Martin said: "He is still subject to his life sentence and will be on life licence if ever released." Advocate depute Chris McKenna said: "He is currently a convicted prisoner with an extensive history of sexual offending."

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The court heard that Petch was eligible to seek parole after serving a minimum term of eight years imprisonment but parole applications have been refused.

The latest offences to bring him to court began in July 1980 when he and others preyed on a girl from the age of six at flats in the Muirhouse area of Edinburgh when she was subjected to repeated rape and sexual abuse. The sex crimes against the child continued until July 1983.

Petch then went on to commit further sex offences against two boys in the city's Muirhouse area in the early 1990s while acting with his now deceased younger brother Richard 'Ricky' Petch.

One boy was told to take off his clothes along with a girl and they were instructed to carry out sex acts on each other while photographs were taken during the abuse between September 1990 and March 1992.

Between November 1991 and March the following year a second boy, aged nine, was subjected to sexual abuse and made to take part in acts with girls.

The victim told the court that Petch was "the boss" and when he was left in the room with him he would be subjected to rape.