Sex attacker who abused young boys for 35 years jailed

The 71-year-old was convicted of a total of 12 charges against young boys dating back to 1981.

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A sex attacker who preyed on a string of young boys during a 35-year reign of abuse is behind bars.

William Hay abused his victims, who he mainly knew through sea cadet training and local school football teams.

The 71-year-old, from Aberdeen, was convicted of a total of 12 charges following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

It involved ten boys with the crimes occurring between January 1981 and August 2016 at various locations in Aberdeen and Perthshire including a beach, campsite, sports complex and a golf club.

He had denied the accusations.

After the verdicts, it was revealed that he was a first offender.

Ronnie Renucci QC, defending, had asked for bail to be continued as he waited to be sentenced next month.

But, judge Lord Sandison told him: “You should be remanded in custody meantime.”

A previous trial against him was abandoned in 2019.

Jurors were told then how he had been a sea cadet officer and youth football coach.

He was trusted by the boys, who ended up being preyed upon by Hay.
One previously recalled how he had been “too ashamed” to reveal to his parents how he had suffered.

He said Hay had taken him on a vist to London as well as watching Rangers and Manchester United football matches. The abuse continued on those trips.

Hay was also put on the sex offenders list.

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