Under a campaign of sexual depravity carried out by the Glasgow Paedophile Gang, including group rapes, at many residences, the trial was heard primary school-aged children were fed alcohol and cocaine in what the NSPCC termed one of the worst cases in recent years.
Running a “monstrous” child sex abuse ring in a Glasgow narcotics den, seven members of a paedophile gang posing as “witches and wizards” have been found guilty.
Eleven accused members of a paedophile gang were charged with three youngsters in what the NSPCC described as one of the worst incidents in recent years.
Tuesday’s Glasgow High Court jury declared seven members guilty of sexual assault and rape.
Over two months, the trial revealed that the primary school-aged youngsters were subjected to a campaign of sexual depravity involving group rapes, at several houses, while being fed booze and cocaine.
Between 2012 and 2020, the heroin junkies planned frequent meetings to execute the horrific violence.
Referred to in court as “child rape nights,” older youngsters were made to mistreat a younger child during protracted attacks.
The youths, who referred to the location of their abuse as the “beasty house”, claimed money was exchanged after the heinous sex attacks while some of the sex offenders laughed.
ALL found guilty of rape and sexual assault:
Iain Owens, 45
Elaine Lannery, 39
Paul Brannan, 41
Scott Forbes, 50
Barry Watson, 47
John Clark, 46
and Lesley Williams, 41
Also guilty of attempted murder were Owens, Lannery, Williams and Brannan.
Additionally, those convicted guilty of drug charges were Owens, Williams, and Brannan.
Marianne Gallagher was exonerated of other charges while convicted of assault.
Three others came clear of all allegations.
Victims worried that assailants may transform them into dogs and cats.
The jury was informed during pre-recorded testimony and police interviews with some of the young victims that one youngster was placed into a microwave, an oven, a refrigerator and a freezer to kill them.
The youngsters thought their attackers were witches and wizards with “magic wands” who could transform them into dogs and animals.
While some youngsters recalled living in a “scary and confusing world,” one youngster reportedly became “desensitised” to what was done to him.
One of those found guilty’s former partner discussed her horror at learning her ex was a predator with Sky News.
The woman, who did not want to be identified, said: “Any parent hearing this that somebody you used to go out with. You want to be violently sick.
“I hope they get the book thrown at them. I do not condone violence, but I hope, when they get sentenced, they will get what is coming to them. Karma gets you.”
Although prosecutors claimed it would be “off the scale devious” to make up crimes of the “most monstrous kind,” defence counsel had suggested the children might not have been reporting the truth.
One of the young victims claimed to the jury, “Two witches held my legs down; it felt uncomfortable; all the witches and wizards were watching.”
Additionally claimed was the children’s “belief that they could see, hear and communicate with spirits and demons” resulting from an Ouija board used to “call on spirits and demons”.
The NSPCC’s development director, Matt Forde said: “This is a truly shocking case.
To think that children could have the experiences that have been described.
It is a highly unusual case. There have been some horrendous cases over the decades. But this one is truly shocking, and the public will find it challenging to think that children can have experiences like this, that they can be exposed to such wilful and awful treatment, such horrendous abuse.”
Mr Forde added: “You can only imagine the terror and miserable existence that these children had.”
Police Scotland reported that, following the convictions, the investigating team had progressed more than 1,000 lines of inquiry.
“This has been a terrible ordeal for the young victims who were subjected to years of unimaginable abuse,” said Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbourne. Our thoughts are with them today; perhaps this will enable them to advance.
“The degrees of depravity displayed in this case are pretty exceptional in Scotland. Hence, the conviction was secured with great success, depending on the bravery of the victims.
“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.”
DS Kilbane added: “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.
“Since the investigation began, we’ve worked closely with various partners in social work, health, education, Crown Office and the third sector to protect and support the victims.”
DS Kilbane confirmed a multi-agency learning review will be conducted on the back of the criminal proceedings.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.