Seven members of a paedophile gang who masqueraded as “witches and wizards” have been convicted of operating a “monstrous” child sex abuse ring in a Glasgow drugs den.
Described by the NSPCC children’s charity as one of the worst cases in recent decades, 11 members of the paedophile gang faced multiple charges relating to three children. On Tuesday, a jury at Glasgow High Court found seven members guilty of sexual assault and rape. The trial, lasting over two months, revealed that the primary school-aged children were given alcohol and cocaine while enduring a campaign of sexual depravity, including group rapes, at various properties.
Iain Owens, 45, Elaine Lannery, 39, Lesley Williams, 41, Paul Brannan, 41, Scott Forbes, 50, Barry Watson, 47, and John Clark, 46, were all convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Owens, Lannery, Williams, and Brannan were additionally found guilty of attempted murder. Owens, Williams, and Brannan also faced convictions for drug offences. Marianne Gallagher was convicted of assault but cleared of other charges. Three others were acquitted of all charges.
Sentencing by Judge Lord Beckett is scheduled for January 4th at the High Court in Glasgow.