DANIEL CASSSELLS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN FALKIRK AND SOUTH LANARKSHIRE
A man from Falkirk, Daniel Cassells, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing three young children.The heinous crimes took place over a span of several years, from 2018 to 2021, at various addresses in South Lanarkshire, with Cassells exploiting his position as a delivery driver to target vulnerable victims.
Details of the case revealed that Cassells subjected the children to a series of disturbing assaults.
During the court proceedings, a relative of one of the victims recounted finding the child curled up and crying after a particularly traumatic incident.
This distressing discovery prompted the woman to contact the police, which ultimately led to Cassells being brought before the High Court in Glasgow.
At the hearing, Cassells, aged 37 and residing in Denny, Stirlingshire, pleaded guilty to charges of raping two of the children and sexually assaulting the third.
The judge presiding over the case, Lady Stacey, sentenced him to 13 years in prison and ordered that he be subject to two years of supervised release upon his release from incarceration.
Prosecutor Margaret Barron described how Cassells remained silent during the assaults on the first victim, and how the second victim pleaded with him to stop, only to be met with silence.
The court heard that after one assault in 2021, a relative of the victim found the child in a distressed state, lying curled up and crying for help.
The child later confided in the relative about the abuse inflicted by Cassells.
Further details emerged about the final victim, who was assaulted when Cassells was alone with the child.
The woman, who had been informed of the abuse, reported the matter to the police in July 2021.
Cassells subsequently turned himself in but chose not to comment on the allegations during police interviews.
During the sentencing, Cassells' lawyer, Rosalyn McTaggart, stated that her client had shown some remorse and shame for his actions.
It was also noted that two of the victims had already provided pre-recorded evidence, which was set to be played at a trial before Cassells admitted guilt.
Lady Stacey condemned Cassells' behavior as shocking, emphasizing that he moved from one child to another in a calculated manner.
The judge expressed concern that Cassells might pose a continued danger to others even after serving his sentence, which is why she ordered that he be monitored upon release.
Additionally, Cassells was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
