ROBERT CLARK FROM AIRDRIE CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND ASSAULT ON CHILDREN IN NORTH LANARKSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Airdrie in North Lanarkshire, Robert Clark, a 70-year-old man, was found guilty of multiple serious offenses involving the abuse of young children. The convictions stem from incidents that occurred over a span of years, specifically between 1969 and 1985, during which Clark targeted vulnerable young victims.

According to court proceedings held at the High Court in Glasgow, Clark was convicted of abusing two girls who were just six and seven years old at the time. In addition to these charges, he was also found guilty of assaulting a young boy, with the abuse taking place between 1969 and 1978. The court heard that Clark’s actions included lewd and libidinous practices directed at the girls, as well as physical assaults on the boy.

The court detailed that the abuse occurred at various addresses within Airdrie, where Clark resided during the relevant periods. The evidence presented demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior, with Clark using different locations to carry out his offenses. The charges included two counts of engaging in lewd and libidinous acts, along with two separate accusations of assault.

Specifically, Clark was convicted of hitting the young boy with a belt and punching him on multiple occasions, acts that inflicted physical harm and fear. The court emphasized the severity of the abuse, describing the victims’ experiences as marked by “fear and intimidation,” and condemning Clark’s conduct as “appalling.”

Following the verdict, Judge Rita Rae QC decided to defer sentencing and remanded Clark into custody. As part of his sentence, Clark was also ordered to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The judge’s remarks underscored the gravity of the crimes, highlighting the profound impact on the victims and the betrayal of trust involved in such offenses.