Transport ‘trauma’ for Biggar sex attack victim

Neither the girl nor her mother can be identified by the Gazette.

What is a harrowing story actually began six years ago when the girl was the victim of a sex offender.

The girl’s mother said her daughter never truly recovered from that nightmare experience.

“She’s always been very, very withdrawn and nervous since. She never, ever goes out.

“Most of all, she is absolutely terrified of being put in a situation where she is left alone with a man.”

But last Wednesday the girl was sent to college from the school in a taxi, an action her mother described as unforgiveable.

“My daughter was suddenly told to go to the college in a taxi – alone with two burly-looking MEN in it, the driver and another taxi firm employee being shown the route for later trips.”

The girl immediately went into what the mother described as a state of violent physical and mental trauma.

Talking to us hours after the incident, she said: “She’s vomiting blood and crying. That’s what it’s done to her.”

Biggar High School head teacher, Robert Stewart said: “We have been liaising with the family in order to put in place suitable transport arrangements for this pupil.

“We now have a new timetable that will enable the pupil to undertake visits outwith school and we were happy to share this with the family last week and agree the transport arrangements.

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette.