Ian Dunlop was found guilty of multiple historic sexual offence charges on 28 May 2024 following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

The now 61-year-old targeted the victims in the Ayrshire area over a five-year period after being asked to babysit the three children. The girls were aged between five and eight when the abuse began.

On 23 October 2024, at the High Court in Glasgow, Dunlop was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Non-harassment orders, banning Dunlop from contacting or attempting to contact any of the victims, were also granted for an indefinite period.

Procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offending, Katrina Parkes said: “Ian Dunlop posed a danger to young girls over the course of several years and exploited his position of trust in the worst possible way.

“The trauma these victims suffered was at the forefront of our minds while working to secure this conviction. It is thanks to the bravery of those affected by Dunlop’s offending that he has been brought to justice. They should be commended for their bravery and courage.”