Former monk sentenced for historical sexual offences against children

Denis Alexander was a teacher at a Highland boarding school when the offences took place. His victims were between 12 and 14 years old.

The 85-year-old pled guilty to the charges at the High Court in Edinburgh in June following more than five years of legal proceedings.

Prosecutors initially sought his extradition from Australia in 2016 but it was contested by Mr Alexander. He was eventually returned to Scotland last year.

At the High Court in Edinburgh last week he was sentenced to four years and five months’ imprisonment. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

Procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences Fraser Gibson said: “Denis Alexander contested his extradition and only admitted guilt after more than five years of proceedings. By refusing to acknowledge his crimes earlier he caused his victims more distress and I hope this conviction goes some way towards providing resolution for them.

“The cooperation of both the Australian authorities and Police Scotland was vital to securing this conviction, underlining the value of the strong international and domestic relationships Scotland’s prosecutors work hard to maintain.”