Seven people convicted of being part of a child abuse ring have been handed life sentences at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.
Iain Owens, 45; Elaine Lannery, 39; Lesley Williams, 41; Paul Brannan, 41; Scott Forbes, 50; Barry Watson, 47; and John Clark, 47 were all handed lifelong restriction orders and jailed for a total of 93 years.
They were all convicted of crimes of “extraordinary depravity” in a drugs den in Glasgow – known as the “beastie house” – where heroin and crack cocaine were used.
Sentencing was delayed until 14 months after conviction, while risk assessments were carried out, which judge Lord Beckett had ordered due to the severity of the crimes – involving three children between 2012 and 2019.
The trial, which lasted for about eight weeks, heard evidence of systematic child sex abuse, described as “harrowing” by Lord Beckett who said it “plunges to the depths of human depravity”.
Lord Beckett said: “This court is used to hearing some of the worst examples of human behaviour but such depravity as you demonstrated is beyond my experience. Such extreme abuse seems to be rare.
“The children showed extraordinary fortitude, strength and stamina as investigators struggled to comprehend what you had done to them. The children’s exceptional courage and perseverance in the face of threats allowed justice to be done.”
He said that the crimes “were about as serious as it’s possible to be”, and praised the actions of a married couple who “provided respite” to the children, and rescued them from “desperate darkness of their earlier life”.
The judge said: “Each of you faces at least one charge of extreme gravity; including very serious and repeated sexual offending against a very young child; which includes inducing a very young child to seriously sex abuse a complainer.”
He described the abuse as “life endangering and, in some cases, murderous assaults” and said the sentence was “to deter others and expressing the abhorrence of the community of such atrocious abuse of vulnerable children”.
He added: “I take account of the terrible suffering of the children. The impact is extremely serious and can be expected to be enduring. At the very least you have inflicted extreme damage on their relationships.”
The judge praised victim impact statements from the children, and said: “An impression of innate humanity shines through her words”, regarding the oldest child.
As they were led to the cells, Clark, who was wearing a shirt with “Innocent” written on the back, shouted “There’s nae evidence, there’s nae evidence at all”, while Owens clapped as he was led away by prison officers.
Four of the group, Owens, Lannery, Brannan and Williams, were found guilty of attempting to murder a child by pushing her into a microwave and trapping her in other places.
All seven were found guilty of taking part in the gang rape of a child.
An eighth person, Marianne Gallagher, 38, was found guilty of assaulting a child and given a deferred sentence. Earlier this month, she was spared further punishment although a judge branded her actions “reprehensible”.
Owens and Lannery were also convicted of multiple counts of assault, sexual assault and causing a child to ingest drugs and alcohol.
The hearing heard that all seven had been risked assessed by social workers.
Lord Beckett previously warned they face “very substantial” jail terms for their “extraordinary depravity”.
All seven had strict Order for Lifelong Restriction orders imposed on them during Monday’s sentencing, as well as a jail term known as a “punishment part” that they must serve before parole.
What were the sentences handed out?
- Owens – lifelong restriction order imposed, with the punishment part set at 20 years.
- Lannery – lifelong restriction order imposed, with a punishment part set at 17 years.
- Williams – lifelong restriction order imposed, with the punishment part set at 14 years.
- Brannan – lifelong restriction imposed, with a final punishment part set at 15 years.
- Forbes – lifelong restriction order imposed, with the punishment part set at eight years.
- Watson – lifelong restriction imposed, with a punishment part of nine years and six months.
- Clark – lifelong restriction order imposed, with the punishment part set at ten years.
All seven cannot apply for parole until their punishment part is served, then it is an issue for the parole board.
The judge added that the public must understand the group may never be released.
Colin Anderson, independent chair of Glasgow’s child protection committee, said: “This has been a highly complex and challenging case for all concerned.
“As Independent Chair of Glasgow’s Child Protection Committee I have already initiated the process of undertaking a Case Learning Review.
“This is being led by an independent reviewer to ensure strong governance and oversight. It would be inappropriate to comment further until the Case Learning Review is complete.”
Police Scotland welcomed the sentences handed out on Friday.
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.”
Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, said: “I commend the bravery of the young victims; their strength has resulted in the conviction and sentence of their abusers for these heinous crimes.
“Every child has the right to be heard and to be listened to and COPFS are committed to ensuring that the needs of children in the justice system are fully recognised and met.
“Prosecuting this case has been complex and a challenging task for our experienced prosecutors. Consideration of the trauma these children suffered was utmost while working to secure these convictions.
“COPFS linked in at an early stage with our partners in policing and social work to undertake a thorough investigation and ensure access to recovery, support, and justice for the victims.
“I urge any victims of similar crime to come forward, report it and seek support. They can be assured that prosecutors are committed to the effective prosecution of such crimes.
“We will continue to seek justice and ensure people are safe from crime and those responsible are identified and held accountable.”
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