SEVEN people have been jailed for 93 years for their parts in a vile child sex abuse gang in the Glasgow area.
The seven members of one of Scotland’s biggest child sex abuse rings were slapped with heavy sentences at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.
Three victims under the age of 13 were subjected to horrific sexual abuse and violence in a drug den, nicknamed “the beastie house” by the youngsters, over a seven-year period.
Taking place between 2012-2019, the offences were reported to police in June 2019, with an extensive investigation afterwards resulting in the arrest and charging of 11 individuals.
During an 11-week trial in 2023, a court heard how there had been “rape nights” at the hands of heroin addicts, with the victims claiming money was exchanged after the sickening attacks whilst some of the attackers laughed.
Iain Owens, 46, Elaine Lannery, 40, Scott Forbes, 51, Barry Watson, 48, Lesley Ann Williams, 42, Paul Brannan, 42 and John Clark, 48, were all found guilty of rape and sexual assault.
Owens, Lannery and Williams were also found guilty of attempting to murder a child by trapping them in various places, including a microwave and a cupboard.
The group was jailed for between eight and 20 years, handed orders for lifelong restriction (OLRs) – a life-long sentence usually reserved for the most serious court cases in Scotland that do not involve murder – and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
Judge Lord Beckett told the gang, whose jail sentences totalled just over 93 years, that they may never be released from prison.
He said: “What you – and the community – should understand is that you may never be released.
“This court is used to hearing the worst examples of human behaviour but such depravity towards young children is beyond my experience.”
Detective inspector Lesley-Ann McGee said: “I hope today’s outcome can help the young victims in moving forward.
“This was a long, complex and challenging investigation for a team of officers and staff who had to work through the most harrowing evidence to bring those responsible for these despicable crimes to justice.
“Since the investigation began we’ve worked closely with a range of partners in Social Work, Health, Education, Crown Office and the third-sector to protect and support the victims.
“We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse.
“We will use all available resources to find and arrest the abusers, no matter how much time has passed.
“I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.”
