GLASGOW PAEDOPHILE CRAIG MENZIES SENTENCED FOR ABUSING SEVEN BOYS IN SCOTLAND

Craig Menzies, a man with a disturbing history linked to the Boys Brigade in Glasgow, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of seven young boys over a span of nearly two decades. His actions, which spanned from 1986 to 2004, took place across various locations throughout Scotland, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that exploited his positions of trust and authority.

During his time as a unit leader with the 118th Boys Brigade Company, based in Kings Park Parish, Glasgow, Menzies targeted four victims. One of these assaults occurred during a camping trip to Leven in Fife in the mid to late 1980s, where a 13 or 14-year-old boy was intoxicated and asleep when Menzies began abusing him. This incident marked the beginning of a series of predatory acts that would span many years.

In the early to mid-1990s, Menzies continued his pattern of abuse during a camping trip along the West Highland Way near Fort William. He targeted a boy approximately 12 or 13 years old, offering him wine and showing him pornographic images before subjecting him to sexual assault. Further crimes took place at a campsite in Glencoe during the same period, where a third boy, aged 12 or 13, was also victimized.

In the mid-1990s, Menzies organized an illegal camping trip to the Isle of Skye, during which he indecently molested a fourth young boy. His pattern of exploiting young boys persisted as he became involved with the Whitecart Angels Baseball Club, where he met a fifth victim around the age of ten. Over several occasions in the early to mid-1990s, Menzies engaged in obscene and indecent behavior towards this child.

Another victim, approximately 13 years old, was introduced to Menzies through a family acquaintance. This boy attended 'fitness lessons' at Bellahouston Park or at Menzies’ home, where the abuse was acknowledged to have occurred in the early to mid-2000s. The final known victim was a 13-year-old boy who was targeted while Menzies was managing and working as a physiotherapist at Cart Castle Youth Football Club in Glasgow. The abuse included showing the boy pornographic films and taking place at Menzies’ residence.

On May 29, during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, Craig Menzies pleaded guilty to seven charges related to these crimes. Subsequently, on July 2, he was sentenced to serve 12 years in prison, with an additional three years on license. He has also been placed on the sex offenders registry for an indefinite period, reflecting the severity and ongoing risk associated with his crimes.

Katrina Parkes, the Procurator Fiscal responsible for high court sexual offenses, emphasized that Menzies exploited his trusted positions and connections to prey on vulnerable young boys who should have been protected. She highlighted the profound impact his actions have had on many victims, many of whom continue to grapple with the emotional and psychological aftermath of his abuse. Parkes commended the bravery of those who came forward, stating, "Many others were affected by his heinous crimes, and many are still dealing with the painful consequences. I’d like to recognize their bravery in coming out. Their strength has led to his conviction."

If anyone has been affected by the crimes detailed in this case or knows of similar incidents, authorities encourage reporting these to the police via 101, or 999 in emergencies. Confidential reporting options are also available through Crimestoppers for those wishing to remain anonymous. Support resources are accessible for victims and their families, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and intervention in preventing further abuse.