MARK ELLIS FROM BIGGAR AND BIRMINGHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOY

In a case that has shocked the communities of Biggar and Birmingham, Mark Ellis, a former youth football coach, has been sentenced to five years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young boy. The abuse took place in 1991 when the victim was only 10 years old, and the case has spanned decades before reaching its conclusion in the High Court in Glasgow.

Ellis, who was residing in Biggar, South Lanarkshire at the time of the offenses, was found guilty of lewd and libidinous behavior after a detailed trial. The court heard that the young victim, now 37, recounted how Ellis had subjected him to multiple assaults in various locations, including his family home, Ellis’s flat in Biggar, changing rooms at a local sports club, and in Ellis’s Land Rover. The attacks, which began in 1991, ended later that year when the boy, overwhelmed and frightened, told the jury that he had had enough and even told Ellis, “Kill me if you want.”

The victim’s testimony revealed that Ellis had threatened to kill him if he ever disclosed the abuse, a tactic that kept him silent for years. It was only after Ellis moved away from the area that the victim confided in a friend about what had happened. The trauma persisted for years, and in around 2005, the victim, accompanied by family and friends, traveled nearly 300 miles to confront Ellis at his residence in Birmingham. During this confrontation, Ellis reportedly expressed remorse, saying, “I’m sorry – I knew this day was coming.”

Despite the victim’s courage in coming forward, Ellis initially denied the allegations when he appeared in court in June 2015. He claimed innocence and insisted he had not committed any crimes. However, the jury was convinced of his guilt after hearing the compelling account of the victim and the evidence presented.

Judge Johanna Johnston QC delivered the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes. She stated, “You have been convicted of one of the most serious sexual offences…one against a child. It is a grave offence.” The judge also highlighted the breach of trust involved, noting that Ellis was trusted by the boy’s parents and was considered a friend of the family, which made his betrayal even more heinous.

The court proceedings revealed that Ellis had also been involved in coaching boys at Birmingham City, adding a disturbing dimension to his profile. The victim, who had loved football as a child, was first assaulted in his own home during Easter Sunday of 1991, and subsequent attacks occurred at Ellis’s flat and other locations. The assaults ended when the boy, overwhelmed by fear and disgust, decided to put an end to the abuse.

During the trial, the victim’s mother also gave evidence, expressing her initial trust in Ellis and her shock upon learning of his actions. She told the court, “I really trusted him…I felt as if he would have looked after him.” The victim’s emotional testimony and the detailed recounting of his ordeal played a significant role in securing the conviction.

Following the verdict, Ellis was remanded in custody pending sentencing, which was deferred for further reports. The case has brought to light the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating impact of betrayal by trusted adults. The community of Biggar and Birmingham now await the final outcome, hoping that justice has been served for the young victim who endured years of suffering in silence.