A MUSSELBURGH man is facing jail after he was found guilty of raping an 11-year-old girl in his car.

Ross Muir, 36, of The Fairways, Monktonhall, was convicted of the attack on the girl, which happened in the West of Edinburgh in October, 2015, in the High Court, Edinburgh yesterday.

The court was told Muir had communicated with his intended victim via a mobile phone.

Police paid tribute to Muir's young victim, who is now 13, for her courage in giving evidence against him.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin MacLean, of Police Scotland's Edinburgh's Public Protection Unit, said: "This was a harrowing incident for the young victim, the effects of which are likely to be borne by her for the rest of her life.

"I would like to commend her courage in coming forward and in giving evidence against Muir which has helped to secure this conviction.

"This was a painstaking investigation which secured damning forensic evidence against Muir and highlights the dangers present with modern communications technology.

"Police Scotland is committed to tackling all instances of rape and sexual assault and continues to work with our partners, including at Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, to bring offenders to justice."

Muir will be sentenced on April 19.