IAN KEARNEY FROM BARRHEAD AND THORNLEEBANK JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN RENFREWSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Barrhead and Thornliebank, Ian Kearney, aged 49, has been sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to multiple charges of sexual abuse involving two teenage girls in Renfrewshire. The disturbing incidents, which took place at various properties in the towns, date back to 2007 and only came to light recently, leading to a high-profile court case at the High Court in Glasgow.

According to court records, Kearney was found guilty of four separate sexual offences committed against the two victims. The first girl, who was only 13 years old at the time, was subjected to Kearney’s abuse over a period that extended until late 2011. The abuse was uncovered after a confrontation between Kearney and one of the girls, which prompted her to disclose the details of her ordeal.

During the trial, Judge Lord Turnbull described Kearney’s actions as “predatory sexual abuse,” emphasizing the calculated and manipulative nature of his conduct. The court heard that Kearney had initially approached the first girl when she was just 13, telling her that engaging in sexual activity would be a “good experience” for her. Prosecutor Margaret Barron revealed that Kearney had also warned the girl that their secret must be kept, threatening that if she revealed what was happening, he would go to jail.

The victim’s suffering ended only when she began dating her current boyfriend, which coincided with the conclusion of her abuse at Kearney’s hands. Following this, Kearney’s attention shifted to a second victim, a 16-year-old girl, to whom he exposed himself in a separate incident. The police were alerted to these offences last year after the first victim had an argument with Kearney, which ultimately led to the investigation.

It was also revealed during the proceedings that neither of the girls was aware that the other had been abused by Kearney, highlighting the extent of his manipulative tactics. In a statement to police, Kearney expressed feelings of shame about his actions, acknowledging the gravity of his misconduct. Known to have connections in the Grangemouth and Glasgow areas, Kearney’s criminal behavior has left a lasting impact on the victims and the communities involved.