JOHN GEMMELL'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN MOSSBLOWN AND AYRSHIRE

In February 2012, John Gemmell, a 43-year-old taxi driver from Mossblown, found himself at the center of a disturbing criminal case involving inappropriate conduct towards young girls. Over a span of five years, Gemmell repeatedly made sexually suggestive comments about the breasts of two schoolgirls, who were just 11 and 12 years old at the time. These comments, which he claimed he found humorous, were made on multiple occasions, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that shocked the local community.

Gemmell’s history of controversy extended beyond these incidents. He was previously dismissed from his job as a taxi driver after it emerged that he had entered into a relationship with a 16-year-old girl he had been driving to school. The relationship reportedly began when she was 14, and she moved into his home in Mossblown shortly after her 16th birthday, which further compounded the scandal. Details of this relationship surfaced during his trial at Ayr Sheriff Court, painting a disturbing picture of his personal life.

Prior to sentencing, Gemmell’s case was deferred to allow for background reports to be prepared. During interviews with social workers, Gemmell admitted that he believed the comments he made to the young girls were humorous, a justification that was met with strong condemnation from the court. Sheriff Jack McGowan did not hold back in his remarks, criticizing Gemmell’s denial and dismissing his claims of humor. The sheriff stated, “It’s not unusual for sex offenders to be in total denial. It was a joke? You made comments about a girl’s breasts over a number of years but it was a joke? I take it you’re not laughing now – it was far from funny.”

Sheriff McGowan emphasized the gravity of Gemmell’s actions, questioning how someone could behave in such a manner in a civilized society. He described the behavior as “pathetic and sad” and indicated that he would appoint someone to educate Gemmell on why such conduct is unacceptable. When asked if he was willing to undertake probation, Gemmell responded affirmatively, but the sheriff warned him to remember his words, stating, “Well, remember you said that because if you don’t you can go to custody.”

Earlier in December 2011, Gemmell’s troubling behavior was further exposed when it was revealed that he had moved in with a teenager he met through his work as a taxi driver. Gemmell had split from his wife, Angela, and shortly after her 16th birthday, he allowed Gemma Lawson, then 16, to move into their home in Mossblown. The relationship between Gemmell and Gemma was scrutinized after it was discovered that he had been driving her from her home in Dundonald, Ayrshire, to a support center for children out of mainstream education since she was 14. The taxi company terminated his employment once they learned about Gemma’s residence with him.

Further revelations indicated that Gemma moved into Gemmell’s house just weeks after her 16th birthday, despite Gemmell’s claims that she was already 16 when they began their relationship. Witnesses and colleagues expressed their disgust at the situation, emphasizing that Gemmell’s actions had torn his family apart, which included a six-year-old child with his wife, Angela. A former colleague, who wished to remain anonymous, commented on the situation, saying, “Angela was going on about them having a relationship but nobody could believe he would be that stupid. Gemmell denied it but didn’t do enough to satisfy the boss and was sacked. It’s an absolute no-no working with kids, and about three weeks later Gemma was found in his house.”

Gemmell’s conduct was further scrutinized due to reports of inappropriate online communications between him and Gemma. The court proceedings, which took place at Ayr Sheriff Court, were adjourned for further reports, and Gemmell declined to comment after the hearing. Gemma, on her part, insisted that her age made her an adult, stating, “At the end of the day we are adults, it doesn’t matter how we met. I was 16 — that makes me an adult.”

As a result of these offenses, John Gemmell has been placed on the sex offenders register, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions. The case has left the community in Mossblown and Ayrshire deeply disturbed, highlighting the dangers of inappropriate relationships and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people.