FRANCES FORSYTH'S HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN EDINBURGH: PENSIONER JAILED FOR SEVEN YEARS OF TORMENT
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Edinburgh, an elderly woman named Frances Forsyth has been sentenced to prison for her involvement in a prolonged and brutal campaign of child abuse spanning over seven years.The case, which was brought to light during proceedings at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, revealed a series of heinous acts committed by Forsyth against six young children, including physical violence, neglect, and cruel psychological torment.
Forsyth, aged 80, was found guilty of inflicting severe harm on the children during their stays at her residence in Edinburgh.
The court heard that her abuse was not only physical but also deeply neglectful, with the children being left dirty, starving, and forced to scavenge for food.
One particularly shocking incident involved Forsyth burning a young girl by holding her hand against an electric fire, a testament to the sadistic nature of her treatment.
The court was informed that Forsyth’s abuse extended over a period from 1973 to 1980.
During this time, she admitted to neglecting the children, leaving them in a state of filth and starvation, and subjecting them to physical assaults.
The children, who were often left in a state of neglect, were described as being poorly clothed, unwashed, and suffering from malnutrition.
They were frequently given only scraps of leftovers to eat, and in their desperation, they resorted to stealing dog biscuits from a cupboard, especially when Forsyth was not in the room.
The children’s suffering was compounded by Forsyth’s neglect of their basic needs, including hygiene and proper nutrition.
Further details revealed that Forsyth would encourage her then-husband, Brian McKernan, to physically discipline the children, and she herself carried out sadistic acts of violence.
Prosecutor Nicole Lavelle detailed how Forsyth would punch and kick the children in the head and body, and on one occasion, she held a child's hand against an electric fire, causing severe pain and injury.
The court also heard that Forsyth’s husband, Brian McKernan, appeared at the High Court in Livingston in 2019, where a judge found sufficient evidence of sexual offences involving the same children.
McKernan, suffering from cancer, was deemed unfit for trial and was placed on the sex offenders register before passing away three weeks later.
Forsyth’s health and age were considered during sentencing, with the court noting her extreme vulnerability.
Despite her advanced age and the fact that she had not committed any further offences in the past four decades, Sheriff Michael O’Grady QC described her actions as “very grave” and “deeply disturbing.” He emphasized that her conduct represented a gross breach of trust and a lengthy catalogue of disturbing ill-treatment, neglect, and assault against vulnerable children.
Forsyth was sentenced to 16 months in prison for her crimes.
In her plea, Forsyth admitted to four charges of wilfully ill-treating, neglecting, and assaulting the six children at her Edinburgh home between September 21, 1973, and December 31, 1980.
The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from such horrific abuse.
