GERALD KING SHOCKS GLASGOW WITH SEXUAL ABUSE AT CELTIC BOYS' CLUB AND PRIMARY SCHOOL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Glasgow community, Gerald King, aged 66, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving young children during the 1980s. The crimes took place while King was serving as a teacher at a primary school in the northern part of Glasgow, as well as during his involvement with the renowned Celtic Boys’ Club, where he also worked as a coach.

King’s criminal actions came to light after a detailed trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where evidence revealed that he had engaged in lewd and inappropriate conduct towards five young victims, four boys and one girl, all aged between nine and 13 at the time of the offences. The incidents spanned from August 1984 to April 1989, highlighting a prolonged period of abuse during which King exploited his position of trust as an educator and sports coach.

One of the most distressing testimonies was provided by a man now aged 43, who recounted how King exposed himself to him as he was preparing to change clothes before a football match. The victim described feeling overwhelmed by embarrassment and discomfort, stating to the court, “I was really embarrassed and uncomfortable,” and further adding, “I felt as though it was something I couldn’t escape from.” Such accounts underscore the traumatic impact of King’s misconduct on his victims.

In addition to the sexual abuse, King was found guilty of taking indecent photographs of children, including a disturbing image taken in February 1987. He admitted to photographing two children, one of whom was depicted in a shower with three other boys, all without clothing. This particular image was later published in the school magazine, with the children’s private parts censored. King claimed that both photographs were taken innocently, but the court found his explanations unconvincing.

During the trial, King also admitted to taking a second photograph of a boy without clothes, though he insisted that his actions were innocent. Despite his denials, the jury convicted him on five counts of lewd and libidinous practices, as well as the possession of indecent images. The court’s proceedings revealed that King’s misconduct was not isolated but part of a pattern of predatory behavior.

Further evidence presented in court included a victim’s account of King stripping naked in front of him before a football game, which left the young boy feeling deeply embarrassed. The victim, now 41, described the incident vividly, emphasizing the distress caused by King’s inappropriate behavior.

Following the conviction, Sheriff Johanna Johnston QC sentenced King to a three-year probation order. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, noting that they involved a breach of the trust placed in teachers and coaches by society and the pupils they serve. As part of his sentence, King will be supervised throughout the probation period, required to complete 240 hours of unpaid community service, and will be registered as a sex offender for five years.

In court, Sheriff Johnston highlighted the serious nature of the crimes, stating, “You were convicted by the jury of a number of sexual offences involving school pupils, you were their teacher at the time.” The judge also pointed out that the jury had made significant deletions to some charges, but the remaining offences were deemed serious enough to warrant strict supervision and registration.

King’s victims, who ranged in age from nine to 13 during the incidents, have endured lasting trauma. The court heard that he was also involved with the Trophy Centre, a company owned by Jim Torbett, the founder of Celtic Boys’ Club, who himself was previously jailed for abusing young boys. During the trial, King was identified as one of the coaches at the club, which has a notorious history of abuse allegations dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.

Jim Torbett, who was first imprisoned in 1998 for abusing three former players, was sacked from the club in 1974 following initial allegations but was later reinstated in 1980 and remained involved until 1996. Another prominent figure, Frank Cairney, aged 83, from Viewpark, was convicted of abusing eight boys while managing the St Columba’s Boys Guild and the under-16s team at Celtic Boys Club, with sentencing still pending.

As the case concludes, the community in Glasgow is left to grapple with the revelations of abuse by individuals entrusted with nurturing and guiding young children. The court’s decision underscores the importance of accountability and the ongoing fight against abuse within institutions that should have been safe havens for youth.