John Somerville, the Glenrothes Paedophile, a scout leader from Fife, has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for sexually abusing young boys in his troop.
The police have expressed approval about the imprisonment of John Somerville for past indecent assaults and conduct they characterised as “abhorrent.”
John Somerville, 57, provided the boys with alcohol, initiated activities that resulted in the boys disrobing as penalties, and sexually assaulted them. The three victims were aged 13 to 14 years. He exploited the youth following camping excursions throughout Scotland in the 1990s. Two of his victims attended court to witness Somerville’s sentencing to prison.
John Somerville evaded incarceration following his conviction for analogous charges in 2006 and subsequently operated a gardening enterprise. John Somerville, from Greenwell Park, Glenrothes, was jailed at Dunfermline Sheriff Court after earlier acknowledging a series of offences against the youngsters.
On various occasions between1996 and 1998 in Glenrothes, within a vehicle travelling to various locations within Fife and Glasgow and at various camping locations in Scotland, he indecently assaulted a boy then aged 14 years.
John Somerville also admitted that on various occasions between June 1996 and 1997 in Glenrothes and various camping locations in Scotland, he used lewd, indecent and libidinous practices towards another boy then aged 13. He also admitted that on an occasion between December 1998 and February 1999, he indecently assaulted a third boy then aged 14.
Defence solicitor Peter Robertson said, “This was abhorrent and predatory behaviour and he accepts that. He is full of remorse and understanding. He is not asking for forgiveness as he says he doesn’t deserve it. He accepts he was abusing his position as leader. He’s very regretful about the long-standing pain and suffering and what he’s stolen from their childhood. He doesn’t recall some things but doesn’t deny they happened.”
Mr Robertson said his client has a son: “He has thought about how he would feel if someone had done that to his child. He feels completely disgusted about that,” added the solicitor.
Sheriff William Gilchrist said it was not clear from the social work report whether John Somerville was indeed remorseful. The sheriff said his actions were “a serious breach of trust, involved a degree of planning and targeted vulnerable children.” He jailed John Somerville for 45 months backdated to 9th March when he was remanded in custody. Somerville will also be subject to a 12-month supervised release order and was put on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Detective Inspector Calum Lawrie said John Somerville “abused a position of trust to carry out his abhorrent behaviour over a prolonged period of time” and added: “It is a good example of how time is no barrier to justice and he will now face the consequences of his own actions.
“All reports of sexual abuse, regardless of the time frame, will be thoroughly investigated by the Non Recent Child Abuse Investigation Team.
“We were committed to supporting anyone who comes forward, while investigating thoroughly and robustly to bring offenders to justice.”
Detective Inspector Calum Lawrie said John Somerville “abused a position of trust to carry out his abhorrent behaviour over a prolonged period of time” and added: “It is a good example of how time is no barrier to justice and he will now face the consequences of his own actions. All reports of sexual abuse, regardless of the time frame, will be thoroughly investigated by the Non Recent Child Abuse Investigation Team.”
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