JOHN MCCARTHY'S REIGN OF CRIME IN GLASGOW: CHILD SEX OFFENDER AND DRUG DEALER BACK ON THE STREETS
In December 2015, the city of Glasgow was once again shaken by the troubling activities of John McCarthy, a man with a long and notorious history of criminal behavior.McCarthy, aged 69, who had previously been convicted of sexually abusing two 14-year-old girls and dealing heroin and cocaine, has surprisingly returned to his illicit trade despite serving time in prison.
McCarthy’s past convictions include a disturbing case where he was found guilty of engaging in sexual acts with underage girls.
One of his victims was introduced to him by her older sister, who was herself a heroin addict.
This connection facilitated McCarthy’s access to vulnerable young girls, whom he exploited for his own gratification.
His criminal record also includes convictions for drug dealing, specifically heroin and cocaine, which he continued to distribute even after his incarceration.
Despite his previous jail terms, McCarthy has resumed his illegal activities in Glasgow, particularly in the southern districts of the city, as well as in nearby areas such as Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
Recent investigations reveal that he is actively involved in delivering crack cocaine to his clientele.
In one undercover operation, an investigator posed as a potential buyer and successfully purchased crack from him in Glasgow’s southside last week.
The transaction involved a purchase of a rock of crack cocaine for fifty pounds, after which McCarthy reportedly told the buyer, “I’ve a few more to get round but give me a phone later,” indicating ongoing supply.
McCarthy, who resides in Govan, has a documented history of dealing drugs to prostitutes.
His criminal activities have often been intertwined with the exploitation of vulnerable women, many of whom are addicted to drugs.
One such woman, the sister of a young victim, traveled from Greenock to Glasgow’s red light district to work as a prostitute and was a regular customer of McCarthy’s.
He would often give his victims cash in exchange for their silence, a tactic that allowed him to continue his illicit dealings without immediate interference from law enforcement.
However, when victims eventually reported their experiences, police arrested him.
In 2004, McCarthy faced trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
He was convicted on multiple charges, including three under the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act and two under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The court found him guilty of having sexual relations with two 14-year-old girls, one of whom had just celebrated her birthday.
His sentence for these offenses was 30 months in prison.
Additionally, he received a lengthy sentence of six years and eleven months for drug supply offenses.
The trial revealed that McCarthy was aware of the underage status of the girls and actively sought to be introduced to them, with the prostitute who arranged the encounters being the sister of one of the victims.
Although a charge of rape was initially brought against him, it was later downgraded to sexual activity with a minor.
The prostitute involved in the case was eventually dropped from the charges, but she was so traumatized that she could no longer appear publicly.
When approached for comment, McCarthy denied any involvement in selling drugs or grooming schoolgirls.
He expressed frustration at the mention of his past convictions, stating, “I don’t know why you’ve got to mention my convictions.” In recent times, McCarthy has shifted his method of operation.
Previously, he would find addicts in Glasgow’s red light district to sell to, but increased police crackdowns on prostitution have driven his victims off the streets.
Now, he reportedly delivers drugs directly to individuals’ homes, primarily targeting women who are involved in sex work to sustain their drug habits.
An insider revealed that all of McCarthy’s current customers are young women, many of whom work as prostitutes to feed their addiction.
Despite his reputation and the discomfort expressed by many of his clients, they continue to contact him, indicating a disturbing level of dependency and familiarity.
Campaigner Belinda Brooks-Gordon, who advocates for changes in sex law and drug policy, commented on the situation.
She emphasized that only a small percentage of women working as prostitutes are addicted to drugs, but predators like McCarthy exploit their vulnerabilities.
Brooks-Gordon argued that reforming drug laws could diminish the power predators hold over these women and potentially encourage them to leave sex work altogether.
She advocates for medical treatment approaches, such as controlled injection clinics, to help addicts and reduce the influence of criminal elements like McCarthy in their lives.
