Dalkeith woman filmed husband repeatedly raping child but killed herself to dodge justice

Damien and Mary McCann preyed on the victim who was as young as 10 at the time.

A judge heard Mary McCann "encouraged" her sick husband’s attacks – which only ended when police swooped after a tip-off.

Despite being arrested and charged, Damien McCann, 35, claimed the girl was "happy" during the attacks.

He now faces a lengthy jail-term after he admitted raping the girl between May 2016 and January 2019 at a house in Dalkeith, Midlothian.

Mary McCann, 39, also faced the accusations, but she took her own life in January 2020, the High Court in Glasgow was told.

Police raided the couple's home initially in connection with an indecent images probe.

A mobile phone and laptop were seized and McCann admitted that he used the "dark web" to look up "extreme pornography".

However, officers went on to uncover footage of the horrific abuse of the girl and McCann was identified due to his "distinctive tattoos".

Prosecutor Angela Gray said: "A female voice - identified as Mary McCann - can be heard encouraging him."

Detectives went on to find a total of 20 vile clips of McCann raping the girl with the "majority" filmed by his wife.

Damien McCann confessed to the abuse when quizzed by police.

Miss Gray added: "He confirmed that he and his wife shared the videos with each other via WhatsApp and that they would watch together for sexual gratification.

"Damien McCann confirmed that he is sexually attracted to the girl.

"He described her as looking 'happy' when he raped her."

It also emerged Damien McCann had sexually assaulted another young child including when she was sleeping.

He also pled guilty to that as well as admitting the possession and distribution of indecent images.

Damien McCann further admitted having more than 200 video clips and photos of what was described as "extreme pornography".

McCann will be sentenced on March 24 in Edinburgh.

The case against the pair had initially called in August 2019 and Mary McCann died on January 29, 2020.

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