ABERDEEN GRANDMOTHER ACCUSED OF DECADES OF CHILD ABUSE DENIES CHARGES
Julia Stephen, a 68-year-old mother and grandmother, is accused of systematically abusing, torturing, and neglecting three children in Aberdeen over two decades ago.The charges allege she subjected the now-grown victims to physical and psychological abuse, such as hanging children over balconies, forcing them to sleep in a dog basket, hitting them with a belt, and starving them.
She denies all allegations.
The trial, presided over by Sheriff Craig Findlater, features testimony from the victims describing feelings of fear, terror, and trauma caused by her actions.
William Murphy, aged 24, and Meaghann Murphy, aged 28, provided evidence about being placed in frightening circumstances; William spoke of having blisters from beatings and being threatened, while Meaghann described incidents involving knives and abuse, including being made to sleep in a dog basket.
The defense has challenged these claims, asserting that the victims are fabricating their stories.
The case remains ongoing.
