JOHN COSTELLO'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN RUTHERGLEN, SHOTTS, AND SOUTHAMPTON REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked communities across North Lanarkshire, West Lothian, and Hampshire, John Costello, aged 43, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving two young sisters. The crimes, which spanned from 1996 to 2000, included repeated acts of rape and abuse at various addresses in Rutherglen, Shotts, and Southampton, leaving a lasting scar on the victims.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow, it was revealed that the older girl was subjected to sexual assault multiple times between the ages of seven and 12. The court heard that the abuse had a profoundly devastating impact on her mental and emotional well-being. Costello’s actions extended beyond physical abuse; he also engaged in manipulative and exploitative behavior, showing her adult pornographic websites and encouraging her to participate in sexual conversations with adults via internet chat rooms. Additionally, he exposed her to pornographic magazines and even filmed her engaging in sexual activities with him.

The court further learned that Costello coerced his younger victim, the sister, into playing indecent computer games and persuaded her to upload a provocative photograph of herself online, further demonstrating his predatory behavior. The abuse was not confined to physical acts but also involved psychological manipulation and exploitation of the young girls.

Judge Lord Clark addressed the court, stating, “You have been convicted of sex abuse against two sisters. You raped one of the girls and carried out lewd and libidinous practices against the other girl. The offences were committed between 1996 and 2000 when you were aged between 22 and 26. In relation to the girl you raped, your conduct has a long-lasting and devastating effect on her.”

He emphasized the importance of a lengthy custodial sentence, not only to punish Costello but also to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider abusing young children. The judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison and ordered him to be placed on the sex offenders register. It was also noted that Costello is already subject to a lifelong supervision order by Hampshire Police due to previous convictions for possessing indecent images of children.

Prior to this conviction, in January 2017, Costello, then residing in Southampton, Hampshire, was convicted of similar offenses. He was found guilty of repeatedly raping a young girl aged between seven and 12, as well as abusing another girl aged between 10 and 15. These crimes took place at various locations in Rutherglen, Shotts, and Livingston. The court heard that Costello, a father of four, had shown the victims adult pornographic websites, induced them to engage in sexual conversations online, and made them look at pornographic magazines. He also filmed the younger girl in sexual acts with him and persuaded the other girl to upload a provocative photograph on her MSN profile.

Prosecutor Peter McCormack highlighted Costello’s criminal history, revealing previous convictions for possession of indecent images of children, which resulted in a two-year sentence at Glasgow Sheriff Court, and a three-year sentence from Aylesbury Crown Court in 2006. The court was informed that Costello, who works with Marks and Spencer in Southampton, was remanded in custody and that sentencing was deferred until the following month for background reports. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender.

Judge Lord Clark’s remarks underscored the severity of Costello’s crimes, describing them as “serious and despicable,” and reaffirmed the need for strict punishment to protect vulnerable children and prevent such heinous acts from recurring.