A 71 year old man has been jailed for sexual offences committed against teenage girls in Shetland more than three decades ago.
Anthony McElhone was convicted at the High Court after being found guilty of indecent assault and rape carried out between March 1993 and December 1996 at locations across Shetland.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday 13 November 2025 following a trial examining sustained abuse over a number of years.
McElhone was sentenced to 10 years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday 12 December 2025.
He has also been placed on the sex offenders register.
The court heard that the offences involved multiple victims and occurred when the girls were teenagers.
Police said the case demonstrated that historic sexual abuse can still be successfully prosecuted decades after the crimes were committed.
Detective Constable Nina Crehan said:
“McElhone subjected these girls to sustained sexual abuse over a number of years.
“I would like to thank them for their assistance with our investigations.
“My thoughts are with them, and I hope this result brings them some sense of closure.
“Sexual abuse will not be tolerated, and this case shows that time is no barrier to justice.
“I’d urge anyone who has experienced or is experiencing abuse to report it to us and we will investigate thoroughly.”
Officers said the conviction reflected the courage of the victims in coming forward and engaging with the criminal justice process.
Police Scotland has reiterated its commitment to investigating sexual offences regardless of when they occurred.
Support services are available for anyone affected by sexual abuse, and people are encouraged to seek help if they need it.
