WALKING FREE: THE PLAY DAY PREDATOR WHO FLED FIFE
A 42-year-old man sexually assaulted two young children when they visited his Inverkeithing home to play with his daughter.
Simone Lavagna preyed on the youngsters who were aged just seven and eight, committing vile acts.
Lavagna, now of Hesperus Crossway, Edinburgh, was convicted
following a trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court. The jury delivered unanimous guilty verdicts on the two charges he faced.
Between 17th November 2022 and 15th November 2023 at an address in Inverkeithing he sexually assaulted a boy then aged seven years, by committing a sex act on him.
Also, on various occasions between 1st January and 31st December 2023, he sexually assaulted a girl then aged eight, by pinning her to a bed and thrusting his body towards her.
There were emotional scenes and sobbing from relatives of the victims after the verdict.
Lavagna showed little reaction and was allowed bail, leaving the court building with a coat over his head.
The boy said that after being sexually assaulted, Lavagna told him to “keep it secret” and he would give him treats forever.
The boy also spoke of a blindfold game and the girl said Lavagna would grab and wrestle her in his bedroom.
The children were regular visitors to Lavagna’s home going there to play with his young daughter.
Lavagna worked from home and at times was alone with the kids during play days as his partner worked in Edinburgh for some of the week.
Lavagna now lives with his partner and their six-year-old daughter in Edinburgh.
In his evidence, Lavagna denied all the claims made by the two children but could offer no explanation as to why they would make up such allegations.
He said that after the claims came to light their windows were smashed and they had to move out of the area “for safety”.
His partner, 47-year-old Jennifer Booth said Lavagna would not commit such acts, adding, “It’s not in his nature, he’s very soft-hearted and would do anything for anybody”.
Following the verdict, Sheriff Krista Johnston told Lavagna he had been convicted of “very grave charges”.
She called for reports and bail was continued until sentencing on 1st May. Lavagna has been put on the sex offenders register.
