Scotland Child Abuse Couple Sentenced for 20 Years in Shocking Case

A couple regarded as among Scotland's most severe child abusers have been sentenced to a combined total of 20 years imprisonment at the High Court in Edinburgh. Sixty-three-year-old Neil McNeil from East Kilbride and Hannah McNeil, aged 57 from Bonnybridge, were convicted last month of numerous sexual offenses involving five children over a span of 20 years. The court found Neil guilty of eight charges of gross sexual abuse, while Hannah was convicted of four charges. The sentencing judge, Lady Paton, described their actions as a 'sickening catalogue of depraved conduct.' Neil McNeil was sentenced to 12 years, and Hannah McNeil to 8 years. Neil McNeil also filmed their abusive acts to sell as material to other paedophiles globally. The couple's crimes allegedly corrupted two generations of children, taking place at homes in Glasgow, East Kilbride, and Denny in Stirlingshire. The victims, two males and three females, had testified in court to achieve convictions. Lady Paton emphasized the heinous nature of their crimes, highlighting the destruction caused to the victims' lives. Both offenders were placed on the sex offenders' register. The case also raised concerns about the failure of the child protection system, with charities calling for renewed public education on the issue.