ELANE LANNERY AND GANG IN GLASGOW FACE LONG WAIT FOR SENTENCING IN CHILD ABUSE CASE

In Glasgow, seven individuals convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of children are now awaiting their sentencing, which has been delayed by at least three months. The group, consisting of five men and two women, was found guilty in November in what is believed to be the most extensive prosecution of a child abuse ring in Scottish history.

Judge Lord Beckett, who presided over the case, previously issued a stern warning about the severity of the punishments that could be handed down, emphasizing the 'very substantial' jail terms that could be imposed due to the 'extraordinary depravity' demonstrated by the offenders. As part of the sentencing process, the judge has ordered comprehensive risk assessments to be conducted on each convicted individual before final sentencing can take place.

The court has adjourned the case until April 5, with the possibility of a further sentencing date being scheduled afterward. This delay is primarily due to the time required to complete the necessary psychological and risk evaluation reports, which are crucial in determining the appropriate length and nature of the sentences.

All seven defendants were convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse, including rape. Among them, Elaine Lannery, along with Owens, Brannan, and Williams, was also found guilty of attempting to murder a child by pushing her into a microwave and subsequently trapping her in various locations. These acts of violence and abuse highlight the extreme cruelty involved in the case.

Additionally, Marianne Gallagher, another woman involved in the case, was convicted of assaulting a young girl. Her sentence was deferred for a year on the grounds of good behavior, and she was subsequently released on bail. The court also acquitted three other individuals—Mark Carr, aged 50; Richard Gachagan, aged 45; and Leona Laing, aged 51—who were tried alongside the others but found not guilty.

The trial, held at the High Court in Glasgow, detailed the horrific experiences of two girls and a boy, all under the age of 13 at the time of the abuse. The victims endured repeated violent and sexual assaults over a period spanning from 2012 to 2019. Evidence presented in court revealed that members of the group used Class A drugs openly in front of the children, often forcing them to consume alcohol and drugs as part of their exploitation.

One young girl, who was still wearing a nappy at the time, was raped by members of the gang. She described her ordeal as being confined in a 'dark and scary beastie house,' where she was locked in a cupboard filled with spiders. The case also detailed the brutal treatment of an older boy and girl, who were subjected to savage beatings and sexual violence, illustrating the extent of the cruelty inflicted upon the victims.