JOHN MALONE FROM HAMILTON GUILTY OF CHILD SEX ABUSE NEAR 60 YEARS AGO

In a significant development in long-standing child abuse cases, John Malone, a pensioner from Hamilton, has been found guilty of sexually abusing two young children nearly six decades ago. The offenses took place around 1958, when Malone was still a teenager, and involved a girl and a boy who were both approximately eight years old at the time.

It was only in 2015 that justice was finally served, after one of the victims, now an adult, came forward and reported the abuse to the police. This revelation prompted a thorough investigation that ultimately led to Malone's arrest and subsequent court proceedings. Despite the passage of many years, the impact of the abuse remained deeply ingrained in the victims' lives.

John Malone, aged 74 and residing in Fairhill, Hamilton, appeared before the High Court in Glasgow to face charges of engaging in lewd and libidinous conduct. He pleaded guilty to two counts related to the abuse of the children, and his bail was continued as the case moved forward. The court heard that the girl, who was around eight years old at the time, had attempted to confide in her mother about the incident, but was told to remain silent. Similarly, the boy also tried to disclose his suffering to a relative but was unsuccessful in doing so.

The prosecutor, Gillian Ross, detailed the distress experienced by the victims, emphasizing the long delay in seeking justice. The second victim, now in his 60s, finally reported the abuse to authorities two years prior to the court proceedings. This report led to Malone's arrest and the subsequent legal process.

Judge Tom Hughes adjourned the sentencing to allow for further reports to be prepared, and Malone remains in custody pending the final decision on his punishment. The case highlights the enduring scars of childhood abuse and the importance of perseverance in seeking justice, even after many years have passed.