Seven individuals involved in a Glasgow-based child abuse ring have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from eight to 20 years. The group, comprising two women and five men, was convicted of gang-raping a child and abusing other children in a drug den where heroin and crack cocaine were prevalent.
Convictions and Sentences
In November 2023, following an eight-week trial at Glasgow High Court, the following individuals were convicted:
• Iain Owens, 46: Convicted of attempted murder, various counts of assault, sexual assault, rape, and causing a child to ingest drugs and alcohol. Sentenced to 20 years in prison.
• Elaine Lannery, 40: Found guilty of attempted murder, assault, sexual assault, rape, and supplying class A drugs. Received a 17-year sentence.
• Paul Brannan, 42: Convicted of attempted murder, sexual assault, rape, and supplying class A drugs. Sentenced to 15 years.
• Lesley Williams, 43: Found guilty of attempted murder, assault, rape, and supplying drugs. Sentenced to 14 years.
• Scott Forbes, 51: Convicted of rape. Received an eight-year sentence.
• Barry Watson, 48: Found guilty of rape and sexual assault. Sentenced to nine years and six months.
• John Clark, 48: Convicted of rape and sexual assault. Sentenced to 10 years.
All seven will be monitored for life due to the severity of their crimes.
Details of the Abuse
The offenses, involving three children, occurred between 2012 and 2019 in a Glasgow flat known as the “Beastie House.” The court heard harrowing evidence of systematic child sexual abuse, with Judge Lord Beckett describing the actions as plunging “to the depths of human depravity.”
Legal Proceedings and Risk Assessments
Sentencing was delayed until December 2024 to conduct comprehensive risk assessments due to the severity of the crimes. Lord Beckett considered orders for lifelong restriction, which monitor high-risk offenders for life if deemed suitable for release after serving a minimum punishment period.
