Fife councillor jailed for sexually abusing vulnerable teenager
Last updated 19th Aug 2025
A Fife Labour councillor who committed sexual offences against a vulnerable teenage girl has been jailed.
43-year old David Graham, who represents Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages, was found guilty last month of grooming and abusing a 15-year old over a six month period in 2023.
He targeted her at various locations including at his office, home and in his car.
At Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Tuesday, he was sentenced to two years and three months behind bars.
His name has been added to the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years.#
Detective Inspector Graham Watson, of the child abuse investigation unit in Glenrothes, said: "Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim. He was well-known and abused his position of power when the offending took place.
“We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it. Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”
Fife Council Leader David Ross has welcomed the disqualification of David Graham from serving as a councillor following his sentencing today.
Councillor Ross said the case had “shocked us all” and praised the bravery of the young person involved in coming forward.
He said: “I am pleased that this means David Graham will now be disqualified from serving as a councillor on Fife Council.
"I want to pay tribute to the bravery of the young person involved in this case in coming forward and hope that today’s sentencing goes some way towards her healing process.
David Graham should have resigned as a councillor as soon as he was convicted if not before, and his disqualification will be welcomed across the Council.”
A by-election will be held in Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages in the coming months.