JOHN LAW FROM FAULDHOUSE AND SHOTTS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER

In April 2014, a disturbing case of sexual assault involving a predatory paedophile was brought before Livingston Sheriff Court, resulting in a significant prison sentence. The offender, John Law, aged 29 and residing in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, was found guilty of multiple serious offences against a 15-year-old schoolboy.

Law showed no visible emotion as he was sentenced to 58 weeks in prison for his crimes. The court heard that Law had pleaded guilty to getting into the bed of the young victim on three separate occasions, a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned over two months. The incidents took place at various addresses in Fauldhouse, West Lothian, between March 1 and April 30, 2013.

According to court reports, Law, who was employed in a role behind bars and also organized local discos, repeatedly groped the boy and coerced him into performing sexual acts. These acts of abuse were carried out in different locations, highlighting a disturbing pattern of exploitation and predatory conduct.

During the proceedings, Kevin Dugan, Law’s defense solicitor, argued that his client lacked proper insight into the gravity of his actions. Dugan stated, “He really doesn’t quite see that the victim here is a victim. He’s certainly a young man who takes this whole matter very seriously, albeit he’s in denial of his full guilt.”

He further explained that Law, a first-time offender, was experiencing difficulties with his sexuality and had attempted to take his own life. Since his initial court appearance on March 10, Law had been detained in a psychiatric ward, indicating ongoing mental health struggles.

Sheriff Donald Ferguson, presiding over the case, emphasized the seriousness of Law’s actions. He stated, “What you did was something very harmful to a young person. It seems to me that in the circumstances a custodial sentence is called for.”

Outside the courtroom, the teenager’s relatives expressed their relief and satisfaction with the sentence, celebrating by punching the air and whooping with joy. The victim’s aunt, who requested anonymity to protect her nephew’s identity, criticized Law for taking advantage of the boy’s mother after her separation from her partner. She said, “She was on a low. This predator decided to help her, but he took advantage of her son in the boy’s own home.”

She also noted that the teenager, who had previously been well-behaved, had begun to misbehave since becoming Law’s victim. The aunt described Law as a “repeated predator and a repeated offender,” emphasizing that although he had no prior convictions, this was the first time his offenses had been reported and prosecuted.