GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – A group involved in a child abuse case at a drugs den in Glasgow may face lengthy jail time for their crimes. The ring preyed on victims in a location where heroin and crack cocaine were abused, leading to the abuse of three children. The convicted individuals face harrowing charges, including gang rape and attempted murder of a child. Some were also found guilty of sexually abusing multiple children and filming the events. The trial took place over eight weeks at the High Court in Glasgow, with some accused individuals being acquitted of all charges.
During the trial, Judge Lord Beckett warned the abusers to expect a “very substantial prison sentence” for their “grave and repeated” crimes, emphasizing the abuse of “very young children” as a common thread among the defendants. Lord Beckett also mentioned that the severity of the sex offenses, some accompanied by attempted murder, demanded serious consideration.
The judge plans to conduct a risk assessment before sentencing to determine if a lifelong restriction order should be imposed on the abusers. This order monitors high-risk offenders for the rest of their lives if they are considered suitable for release from prison after serving a minimum punishment period. The assessment will evaluate if the abusers pose a serious risk to the public, particularly young children, if released.
The convicted individuals, including Iain Owens, Elaine Lannery, Lesley Williams, Paul Brannan, Scott Forbes, Barry Watson, and John Clark, may face substantial prison sentences. Owens and Lannery were convicted of attempted murder and multiple counts of assault, sexual assault, and rape, while Williams was convicted of attempted murder, assault, rape, and supplying drugs. Brannan was found guilty of attempted murder, sexual assault, rape, and supplying class A drugs. Sentencing for the case has been adjourned until January 9.