David Graham, 43, was convicted of having sex with the teenager following his trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court in July, with the judge branding his offences an “escalating and brazen course of sexual behaviour”.
A shamed Labour councillor who groomed and sexually abused a vulnerable 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to 27 months in prison following a six-month campaign of abuse that shocked the local community. David Graham, 43, was convicted by majority verdict last month of having sex with a child aged 15, despite continuing to deny any wrongdoing.
The disgraced politician, who represented Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages on Fife Council, preyed on the teenager at various locations including his council office, home address and in his car between February and August 2023. Sheriff Robert More told Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Tuesday that Graham had “undermined the trust” placed in him by the community.
Police investigation launched after public concern
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service revealed that a police investigation was launched after a member of the public became concerned about Graham’s behaviour towards the girl. The court heard how the abuse began after the pair met socially, shortly after the victim’s 15th birthday.
Detective Inspector Graham Watson described the councillor as a “manipulative individual” who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim. “He was well known and in a position of power when the offending took place,” the detective stated. “I would like to thank the female for her assistance in bringing him to justice.”
The court heard that a “romantic relationship” developed which became “more intimate”, involving a 25-year age gap between Graham and his victim.
Mass protest and community outrage
Following his conviction in July, Graham was released on bail whilst awaiting sentencing, sparking fury in the local community. Riot police were called to a mass protest outside his Methilhill home involving approximately 100 people, which resulted in three arrests.
The court heard that Graham’s parents’ home had also been targeted, despite them being “blameless” in the matter. A total of ten people, including several teenagers, were subsequently charged in connection with the disorder, which involved eggs and stones being thrown at uniformed officers.
Defence lawyer Chris Sneddon acknowledged there was a “potential for community reprisal” but urged the court to impose a non-custodial sentence. He told the court that Graham continues to deny the charge but “understands the impact the type of behaviour can have on the victim of such behaviour.
Judge delivers damning verdict
Sheriff Robert More rejected calls for leniency, stating: “The conduct took place at a variety of locations including the home you shared with your then partner. You were aware of how old the girl was and had been warned by her family to stay away from her.
The sheriff emphasised the seriousness of the offences, adding: “Laws are intended to protect children from those who would exploit their vulnerability. There is nothing to suggest she was physically harmed or evidence that she has suffered psychological harm. In my view there is a real risk your offending will have such a psychological impact.”
Sheriff More noted that the single charge amounted to three offences, including engaging in sexual activity with an older child, along with evidence of “planning” to avoid detection.
Labour Party expulsion and political fallout
Graham, who was first elected to Fife Council in 2012, had been suspended from the Labour Party two years ago when allegations first emerged. Following his conviction, he has now been formally expelled from the party.
The scandal has raised serious questions about the Labour leadership’s handling of earlier complaints. It has emerged that in 2017, when current council leader David Ross was co-leader and head of the Labour group, staff members raised concerns about Graham’s conduct, including claims he had touched female staff and made others feel uncomfortable.
Despite these complaints, Graham was allowed to stand again in the 2022 local elections and was subsequently appointed by Ross as Labour’s spokesperson for health and social care. He also served as a member of NHS Fife’s board and represented the council at COSLA.
Calls for resignation and investigation
Fife SNP group leader Councillor Craig Walker has called for Ross to resign, stating: “These weasel words prove that Labour knew for years that David Graham was unfit for public office, but instead of side-lining him they put him into a position of authority. Labour put internal politics ahead of children’s safety.
Ross confirmed he and fellow councillor Linda Erskine gave statements to police about the historic concerns following Graham’s arrest. He said he had spoken to Graham at the time and asked him to stop the behaviour in question, claiming “to my knowledge he did stop this behaviour and no further concerns were raised.
Prosecutor condemns abuse of power
Helen Nisbet, Procurator Fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, condemned Graham’s actions, stating: “David Graham saw an opportunity to systematically groom and sexually abuse a vulnerable young girl, who had the right to be safe in his company. He cynically and deliberately took advantage of an unbalanced power dynamic to commit these offences over the course of several months.”
She added: “Graham has now been held accountable following this prosecution, and I give thanks to the victim for giving evidence which helped secure this conviction. I would urge anyone affected by similar offending to report it when you feel ready.”
Council leader welcomes disqualification
Following the sentencing, Fife Council leader David Ross said: “This case has shocked us all and I am pleased that this means David Graham will now be disqualified from serving as a councillor on Fife Council. I want to pay tribute to the bravery of the young person involved in this case in coming forward and hope that today’s sentencing goes some way towards her healing process.”
Ross added: “David Graham should have resigned as a councillor as soon as he was convicted if not before, and his disqualification will be welcomed across the council.”
Sex offenders register and by-election
In addition to the 27-month prison sentence, Graham has been placed on the sex offenders register for ten years. His conviction and subsequent imprisonment mean he is automatically disqualified from serving as a councillor.
Fife Council confirmed that a by-election will be held in Ward 22 (Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages) in the coming months to fill the vacant seat. The ward, which is one of Fife’s most poverty-affected areas, elects four councillors using the single transferable vote system.
Sheriff More issued a warning to those who had targeted Graham’s properties, stating: “Anyone who would engage in criminality at such event can expect to receive a punishment which would seek to deter them.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local political establishment and raised serious questions about safeguarding procedures within political parties and local authorities. As Graham begins his prison sentence, the community he betrayed must now begin the process of rebuilding trust in their local representatives.
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