JOSEPH LAW FROM EAST KILBRIDE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE AND RAPE CASES IN GLASGOW AND SOUTH LANARKSHIRE

In a disturbing series of criminal acts spanning several years, Joseph Law, a 44-year-old man from East Kilbride, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse and physical assault of young children. The incidents, which took place between 2009 and 2014, involved two young girls who were just three and 11 years old at the time of the abuse. Law, who was responsible for looking after the victims at different addresses in East Kilbride, subjected them to repeated acts of sexual violence and lewd conduct, leaving a trail of trauma and fear.

Law's actions came to light during a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, where he was found guilty of raping both girls, as well as engaging in lewd and libidinous conduct towards one of them. Additionally, he was convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice, having tried to influence the victims' testimonies. The court heard that Law had previously served an 18-month sentence in 2017 for a campaign of violence against six children, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse and violence.

During the proceedings, Law displayed defiance and hostility. He removed his face mask and launched into a rant directed at the judge, stating, “It won’t happen – I don’t agree with social workers. I don’t co-operate with them.” As he was led away to the cells, Law shouted towards jurors watching on TV screens, “Goodbye… happy days,” indicating his lack of remorse. The judge, Lord Matthews, deferred sentencing until a criminal justice social work report could be prepared, but Law’s behavior in court underscored his defiance.

The victims recounted their experiences during the trial. The older girl described how, after one assault, Law told her she had “become a woman,” and later confided in her mother about the abuse. She testified that Law had threatened her, saying he could kill her mother if she told anyone, and expressed her fear that no one would believe her. Prosecutors revealed that Law had attempted to contact this victim while in HMP Addiewell in August 2019, trying to persuade her to deny her police statements and refuse to answer questions at trial.

In a separate but related case, Law’s history of violence was further detailed in February 2017, when he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a brutal campaign of physical abuse against six children. The court heard how Law had subjected the children to long periods of cold confinement, physically assaulted them, and even dragged an infant down a flight of stairs by her hair. The abuse was uncovered after the oldest victim bravely disclosed her experiences to a guidance teacher in June 2014, prompting police and social services to investigate.

During interviews, the children described a pattern of repeated physical violence, including being punched, slapped, and subjected to abusive remarks. The oldest victim sustained bruises and red marks from Law’s assaults, and her mental health was severely impacted, leading to drug and alcohol problems during her teenage years. The youngest victim was also repeatedly grabbed by her hair and physically assaulted, with Law dragging her down stairs on one occasion.

Law pleaded guilty to five counts of child assault and one count of child assault causing injury. His lawyer argued for a community-based sentence, citing Law’s anxiety, limited intellectual capacity, and the fact that he was in solitary confinement for his own safety due to press coverage. However, the court recognized the severity and repeated nature of the abuse, especially noting the profound impact on the older victim. Sheriff Thomas Millar sentenced Law to 18 months imprisonment, backdated to September 27, when he was first taken into custody, reducing the sentence from two years due to his guilty plea.

These cases highlight a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior by Joseph Law, whose actions have left lasting scars on his victims. The court’s decisions reflect the seriousness of his crimes and the need for justice to be served for the vulnerable children affected by his violence and sexual abuse in East Kilbride, Glasgow, and South Lanarkshire.