JOHN SMITH FROM DUNDEE AND LOGIE FACES SERIOUS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CHARGES IN ABERDEEN

A man named John Smith is currently standing trial at Aberdeen High Court, facing an extensive list of 19 historic allegations of sexual misconduct involving underage boys from the cities of Dundee and Fife. The accusations span a period from July 1985 to March 2002 and include a range of disturbing behaviors such as engaging in sexual activities with minors, inappropriate touching, and coercing young boys into viewing pornographic material. It is alleged that Smith used alcohol to intoxicate his victims, thereby gaining control over them and facilitating his abusive actions.

During the course of a seven-day trial, testimonies from ten individuals who claim to have been victimized by Smith have been presented. Several of these victims recounted instances where Smith provided them with money in exchange for silence, and described waking up to find him performing sexual acts on them. Others detailed being lured to various locations with promises of alcohol, stereo systems, and darts, only to be subjected to abuse. The alleged offenses took place at two properties in Dundee, including one in Newport on Tay, as well as at a caravan park in Fife. Smith, who is 65 years old and resides at Denbrae Cottages in Logie, Fife, has denied all charges brought against him.

Smith took the stand in his own defense, asserting that he did not own a caravan at the site where some of the incidents are alleged to have occurred. The court also heard that one of the victims, accused of being indecently assaulted by Smith between March 2001 and March 2002, passed away earlier this year. A police officer who took Smith’s statement was also called to testify, providing further context to the case.

The prosecution, led by advocate depute James Keegan, urged the jury to find Smith guilty on all counts, describing him as a “sly sexual predator” who exploited vulnerable boys. They also pointed out that one victim, a man identified by multiple witnesses, had allegedly acted as an intermediary, facilitating Smith’s access to other young boys in need of help. Smith’s defense lawyer, Neil Beardmore, argued that the jury should only convict if they are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt. He emphasized that if multiple victims knew each other, it would be unlikely that none of them had warned each other about Smith’s predatory behavior.

John Smith, who lives in Denbrae Cottages, Logie, Fife, continues to deny all charges. The trial remains ongoing as the court considers the evidence presented and prepares for further proceedings.