A “predator” who showed “utter disregard” for three victims he attacked at Dunvegan Equestrian Centre in Newburgh, Fife, has been jailed for 10 years.
James Christopher Armour, 57, was convicted of two counts of indecent assault and rape to injury, and one of assault and rape to injury, after a trial at the High Court in Stirling on Thursday, 23 March 2023.
He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday (31 May) for the offences, which were committed between 1983 and 1989.
One of the women concerned told H&H: “This has to stop.
“It still goes on. It’s taken us 38 years to get justice, and that was only because of one brave girl who made a complaint.
“Hats off to the police; I said ‘This happened 38 years ago, they won’t believe us’. The police said ‘They will’, and they did. And they gave him 10 years. This needs to be put out there as a warning.”
Armour also served in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Detective Sergeant Lesley Couper, of Police Scotland’s public protection unit, said: “Armour is a predator who showed utter disregard for the impact on his victims.
“I want to commend each victim in reporting these offences to police and for having the strength to stand up in court, making sure he was held accountable for his actions, and ultimately convicted. I hope this sentence gives them some comfort as they try to move forward.
“This conviction and sentence sends a clear message that time is no barrier, all reports of sexual abuse will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland, and victims will be fully supported by specially trained officers and partner agencies throughout.
“We remain committed to tackling sexual abuse and should you wish to report a sexual crime to Police Scotland, then please do so by contacting officers on 101, or by making an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
