In one of the most harrowing cases to hit Scotland’s courts, seven members of a child abuse gang have been jailed for a combined minimum of 93 years. Described by the judge as plumbing “the depths of human depravity,” the two women and five men will also be monitored for life under lifelong restriction orders.
The Horrific Crimes
The gang, based in Glasgow, subjected three children to years of unimaginable abuse between 2012 and 2019. The victims, two girls and a boy, were forced to take drugs and alcohol, and one child was even pushed into a microwave in a horrifying attempt to murder her.
The seven defendants – Iain Owens, 46; Elaine Lannery, 40; Lesley Williams, 43; Paul Brannan, 42; Scott Forbes, 51; Barry Watson, 48; and John Clark, 48 – were convicted in November 2023 after a lengthy and complex trial at Glasgow High Court. They faced a total of 49 charges, including sexual offences, drug misuse, and assault to injury and danger to life.
The Sentences
Lord Beckett, the judge presiding over the case, handed down the following sentences:
- Iain Owens: 20 years (attempted murder, sexual assault, rape, and drug offences)
- Elaine Lannery: 17 years (attempted murder, sexual assault, rape, and drug offences)
- Paul Brannan: 15 years (attempted murder, sexual assault, rape, and supplying class A drugs)
- Lesley Williams: 14 years (attempted murder, assault, rape, and supplying drugs)
- John Clark: 10 years (rape and sexual assault)
- Barry Watson: 9 years and 6 months (rape and sexual assault)
- Scott Forbes: 8 years (rape)
Lord Beckett warned that some of the offenders may never be released, saying, “This court is used to hearing the worst examples of human behaviour, but such depravity towards young children is beyond my experience.”
Praise for the Victims
The judge also commended the “formidable strength, courage, and perseverance” of the victims, whose bravery ensured the abusers were brought to justice. He acknowledged the role of their carers in helping them rebuild their lives, saying, “It is possible to imagine from their desperate darkness, their carers have brought some light to their young lives.”
Operation Woodwhite: A Landmark Case
The trial followed a major police investigation, Operation Woodwhite, which uncovered systematic child sexual abuse described by the judge as “harrowing” and “plunging to the depths of human depravity.”
Prosecutor Katrina Parkes, who specialises in sexual offence trials, praised the victims for their bravery and urged others to come forward. “Every child has the right to be heard and to be listened to,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring that the needs of children in the justice system are fully recognised and met.”
A Warning for Co-Accused
One co-accused, Marianne Gallagher, 40, was found guilty of assaulting a child but was admonished (released without punishment) on 6 January. However, Lord Beckett warned her she would be in “pretty severe trouble” if she committed further offences.
You may also like: Sympathy runs dry as James Dyson criticises inheritance tax reforms
