Samantha Crawford and Michael Cummins: Fife couple who forced boys to take part in rape of baby girl jailed

20 November 2024, 13:51 | Updated: 20 November 2024, 15:05

WARNING: This report contains details of a very disturbing court case and sexual offences against children

A woman and her then husband who forced two children to participate in their rape of a one-year-old girl have been jailed for a catalogue of abuse.

Samantha Crawford, 33, and her now ex-partner Michael Cummins, 35, compelled the boys, aged seven and three, to take part in their attacks on the infant.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how the pair subjected the boys and the girl to repeated serious sexual and physical assaults during a four-year period beginning in 2014. They also abused a fourth child.

The first victim was just seven-years-old when the abuse began. The boy was raped and subjected to sexual and physical assaults by Cummins.

The second victim, a three-year-old boy, was struck on the head and body with a belt by Cummins, who also sexually abused the youngster.

Crawford also repeatedly struck him on the head and body with her hand.

The third victim, a one-year-old girl, was subjected to rapes on "various occasions".

While the fourth victim, a boy born earlier in 2014, was sexually and physically assaulted by the pair.

Crawford and Cummins silenced the children - who cannot be named for legal reasons - from telling other adults by saying: "Zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket."

The attacks took place in Fife, with the pair brought to justice after Police Scotland learned of their activities.

Records show that the couple, from Kirkcaldy, were married in 2011 and divorced in 2022.

Crawford and Cummins denied any wrongdoing but were last month found guilty following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

During proceedings, the jury were told of evidence provided by doctors which concluded the children's injuries had been caused by "traumatic" force.

When prosecutor Erin Campbell questioned Cummins on his thoughts about the medical evidence, he replied: "That's their opinion."

Much of the evidence heard at the trial was too graphic to repeat in mainstream media reports, with jurors told they'd be eligible for counselling if needed.

The pair returned to the dock on Wednesday and were each handed extended sentences.

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Crawford was jailed for 10 years and will be supervised for a further three once released back into the community.

Cummins was jailed for 14 years and will be supervised for an additional four once free.

The duo were also placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

Lord Harrower said: "Your offending must be categorised as extreme. The impact of your offending on these children will be devastating.

"You do not accept any responsibility and neither of you have shown any remorse for your actions."

(c) Sky News 2024: Samantha Crawford and Michael Cummins: Fife couple who forced boys to take part in rape of baby girl jailed