Once a judge was advised that those involved in the glasgow paedophile ring needed a second evaluation from risk assessors, seven persons convicted of being members of a child abuse ring had their sentencing postponed once more.
Consuming heroin and crack cocaine in a Glasgow drug den, the two women and five men were all found guilty of crimes of “extraordinary depravity.”
Following an eight-week trial at Glasgow’s High Court in November, four of the defendants were found guilty of attempting to murder a child; others were found guilty of injuring two children or of assaulting three children.
Each of Iain Owens, 45; Elaine Lannery, 39; Lesley Williams, 41; Paul Brannan, 41; Scott Forbes, 50; Barry Watson, 47; and John Clark, 47 faces life sentences. They turned up on Friday at Glasgow’s High Court.
Four members of the group — Iain Owens, Elaine Lannery, Paul Brannan, and Lesley Williams were found guilty of trying to kill a toddler by pushing her into a microwave and confining her elsewhere.
All seven were found guilty of engaging in child gang rape.
Found guilty of child abuse, Marianne Gallagher, 38, got a suspended sentence until January 2025.
Iain Owens and Elaine Lannery were also found guilty of many counts of assault, sexual assault, and coercion of a youngster to ingest drugs and alcohol.
Social workers had risk-assessed all seven, the hearing learned.
Their reports can lead to a harsh Order for Lifelong Restriction, including a jail term known as a “punishment part” they have to serve before being released.
Lawyers for six of the seven asked for extra time to get a second view from a risk assessor before the sentence was handed down.
Earlier warning them of “very substantial” jail terms for their “extraordinary depravity,” Judge Lord Beckett was considering enforcing a lifetime restriction order.
On Friday he said: “Reports have been arriving in stages over the last few months.” Their slow preparation time was not unusual.
“Unprecedented seven risk assessors being taught for one case, sadly, but naturally, this made it hard for those seeking a second opinion.
People working on obtaining their reports have to advance at this stage.
“I urge every one of you to start very proactive projects to speed up this process. Both the accused and the public would benefit from this ending not continuing.
“This is in the best interests of others closely engaged in this matter, notably the trial witnesses.
“I urge you to do your utmost to forward such inquiries as quickly as practical.
“It would be highly desired at the next hearing in September that the court would be in a position to know if there will be a need for a hearing for a notice of objection and what the scope and court time will be.”
Iain McSporran KC, Clarke’s defence lawyer, told the Judge he was the only one without a second opinion.
Every one of the seven, Iain Owens, Elaine Lannery, Lesley Williams, Paul Brannan, Scott Forbes, Barry Watson, and John Clark, underwent extended confinement in custody.
Time already spent behind prison will be taken into account during sentence, the Judge said.
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