ALAN FORBES AIRDRIE CHILD MOLESTER SENTENCED FOR ABUSING GIRLS IN AIRDRIE AND NEARBY AREAS

In August 2010, a disturbing case involving Alan Forbes, a resident of Hunter Street in Airdrie, culminated in his being sentenced to four and a half years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls. The case revealed a troubling pattern of abuse that spanned nearly a decade, beginning in 1990 and continuing until approximately 1999.

Forbes, aged 59 at the time of sentencing, had previously been convicted on six counts of lewd and indecent behavior directed at underage girls, along with an additional charge of indecent assault. His criminal activities involved multiple locations within the Lanarkshire area, including private residences, vehicles, and public spaces, highlighting the extent and audacity of his offending.

The first known victim, a nine-year-old girl, was subjected to abuse after Forbes made her sit on his lap inside a car parked in the Airdrie vicinity. This initial incident marked the beginning of a series of predatory acts. Subsequently, he molested a second young girl at a house in Airdrie and also at a lay-by along the A73 near Newmains, demonstrating a pattern of exploiting both private and semi-public settings for his crimes.

Between 1994 and 1996, Forbes continued his offending spree, molesting a third girl in a vehicle and at a residence within the Airdrie area. His predatory behavior persisted into the late 1990s, with a particularly disturbing incident involving a 15-year-old girl. This victim was kissed and fondled at a garage located on Bell Street in Airdrie, during an incident that took place between February 1998 and 1999.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Kinclaven emphasized the gravity of Forbes' offenses. He ordered that Forbes be registered on the sex offenders' register and recommended that his case be referred for inclusion on a list of individuals deemed unsuitable to work with children, reflecting the serious concern over his potential risk to the community.

In his remarks, Lord Kinclaven stated, "The court requires to mark the seriousness of your offending and as was pointed out there is in reality no alternative to a custodial sentence." The judge also noted that Forbes had been found guilty of multiple serious offenses involving girls under the age of 16, with a jury convicting him of these crimes.

Despite the conviction, Forbes' defense lawyer, Tony Graham, acknowledged that there had been significant deletions from the original charges, including an allegation of rape against one victim. Forbes maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings but expressed a sense of acceptance regarding his imprisonment, stating he was "reconciled" to serving his sentence. The case underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial processes in addressing and punishing such grave offenses against vulnerable young girls.