ROBERT HAGGERTY'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN PAISLEY SHOCKS COMMUNITY
In May 2019, a disturbing case of child abuse came to light involving Robert Haggerty, a 73-year-old man from Paisley.The pensioner was found guilty of repeatedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl over a period of more than a year, with the abuse taking place at a residence in Paisley's Seedhill neighborhood.
Haggerty's heinous actions included groping the young girl over and under her clothing, forcing her to sit on his lap, and touching her beneath her clothes.
He used threats and intimidation to silence her, warning her that revealing the abuse would 'kill' his wife.
These acts of exploitation and manipulation persisted from November 2016 until the victim, overwhelmed by the trauma, eventually confided in a support worker.
The court heard that the victim, who preferred solitude and found comfort in her own space, was targeted during visits to Haggerty’s home.
Prosecutor Keri Marshall detailed the disturbing nature of the offenses, stating, “She had attended the accused’s address.
She liked to be on her own and find her own space.
The accused would sit down beside her… touch her both over her clothing and underneath her clothing.
In his sitting room, he asked her to sit on his lap.
She was wearing her school uniform.
He put his hands under her skirt and touched her.
He told her not to disclose it to anyone as it would kill his wife.” Haggerty’s appearance in court was marked by a lack of remorse.
He was seen wearing a Scotland rugby top and clutching a duffle bag, with a hearing aid visible.
The gravity of his crimes was evident as the court proceedings unfolded, eliciting gasps from the public gallery.
The case was brought to light after the victim, overwhelmed by her distress, broke down and confided in a support worker from a Home Link service.
The worker, recognizing the signs of abuse, urged her to speak out.
The young girl revealed her fears and disclosed that she had been touched inappropriately by Haggerty, who had warned her to keep quiet.
Following her disclosure, authorities swiftly intervened.
Police officers from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit were called in to investigate the allegations.
Haggerty initially denied the accusations but later admitted guilt during a court appearance last month.
His admission of guilt led to his sentencing, where Sheriff Frances McCartney condemned his actions as an egregious breach of trust and a gross violation of the young girl’s innocence.
Haggerty was sentenced to nearly two years in prison.
The sheriff emphasized that such offenses warrant custodial sentences and ordered Haggerty to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.
As he was led away from the court, Haggerty showed no visible emotion, and the community was left to grapple with the shocking details of his crimes.
