ROBERT KERR FROM BARRHEAD FACES JAIL FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRLS IN SCOTLAND

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Barrhead, Robert Kerr, a man with a long-standing residence in the town, is now facing the possibility of imprisonment following his conviction for serious sexual offenses committed against two teenage girls during the early 1990s.

According to court proceedings, Kerr, aged 56 at the time of the trial, was in his early 30s when he committed these heinous acts. The incidents took place between July 1991 and November 1992, involving two young girls who, for legal reasons, cannot be named. The victims were aged between 13 and 15 during the period of abuse.

After a trial held at Paisley Sheriff Court, Kerr was found guilty of sexually assaulting these two girls. The court heard detailed testimonies from the victims, who recounted the traumatic experiences they endured at a house located on Kilvaxter Drive in the Thornliebank area. The first victim, now 39, described how Kerr was naked in her presence, exposed his erect penis, and forced her to touch it. She also testified that Kerr made her sit on his lap and compelled her to perform a sex act on him. These acts occurred over a period from July 14, 1991, to July 13, 1992.

The second victim, now 37, provided similar testimony, revealing that Kerr abused her between November 9, 1991, and November 9, 1992, at the same residence. She stated that she was between 13 and 14 years old at the time of the abuse. Her account corroborated the pattern of predatory behavior exhibited by Kerr during that period.

In addition to the historic allegations, Kerr faced charges related to alleged assaults on two other girls between 2010 and 2014. These incidents were said to have occurred at a property on Blackwood Street in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire. Prosecutors claimed that Kerr preyed on one girl when she was aged between seven and 11, and on another girl aged between six and 10, during the same timeframe. Kerr denied these allegations, asserting that he did not commit any such acts.

During the trial, the jury acquitted Kerr of the charges concerning the more recent allegations, finding the evidence insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, they convicted him by a majority verdict on the charges related to the two older women, under Section 5 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 1976. Notably, the jury decided to exclude claims that Kerr had forced the first girl to perform a specific sex act from the charges before reaching their verdict.

Following his conviction, Kerr's sentencing was deferred to allow for a social work assessment. He is scheduled to return to court next month to receive his sentence, which could see him imprisoned for up to five years. The case has highlighted the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice for victims who come forward many years after the crimes occurred.