Family Rescues 13-Year-Old Girl from Kidnapper’s Home

A 13-year-old girl was rescued from the home of a convicted sex offender, James Haggerty, after her family forcibly entered the property in Glenrothes, Scotland. The girl had been held against her will and assaulted during a harrowing ordeal.

On 6th March 2023, the girl visited Haggerty’s residence with a 16-year-old friend, who briefly left to go to a nearby shop. Upon her return, the friend found the door locked, and the girl was nowhere to be found. Concerned for her safety, the girl’s family utilized a mobile phone application to track her location, which led them to Haggerty’s home.

Haggerty, 26, had locked the door and refused to allow the girl to leave despite her repeated requests. Witness statements indicated that he physically prevented her from accessing the exit and resorted to violence, pushing her to the ground and injuring her back and knee. During the incident, Haggerty threatened the girl, hovering over her and warning her not to speak or move.

The girl’s mother, worried after her daughter did not return home, sought help from a relative. They arrived at Haggerty’s residence, knocking and banging on the door in a desperate attempt to gain entry. When there was no response, they forced their way in, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

As the door burst open, the girl’s mother shouted, “Where the f***’s my cousin?” The family found the girl hidden under blankets on a mattress, while Haggerty quickly fled the scene. After the family contacted the police, a search for Haggerty began. He later called law enforcement, threatening to harm himself.

The next day, police located Haggerty at a friend’s home but encountered resistance. He threatened officers, brandished knives, and caused property damage during a two-hour standoff. Eventually, he surrendered and was found with injuries consistent with altercations during the incident.

At Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Sheriff Steven Borthwick indicated that an extended prison sentence would be considered. Haggerty, who had recently been released from prison on 20th February 2023, admitted to breaching a sexual offences prevention order by having unsupervised contact with the girl.

Haggerty also faced charges for his violent behavior toward police officers during the standoff. He will remain in custody until sentencing on 4th November 2023. The case has raised significant concerns within the community regarding the safety of children and the effectiveness of measures in place to protect them from offenders.