ROBERT MCGEACHY'S GLASGOW CRIMES: SENTENCE INCREASED AFTER APPEAL

In a significant development in the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of serious sexual and physical abuse, Robert McGeachy, a 64-year-old man from Glasgow, has seen his prison sentence substantially increased following an appeal by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

McGeachy was originally convicted in the summer of 17 charges, which included ten counts of assault and multiple counts of rape. His crimes spanned over a period of 25 years, during which he inflicted harm on seven victims, some of whom were children. The offences took place at various locations across Glasgow, highlighting a prolonged pattern of abuse that persisted from 1978 until 2003.

In June, McGeachy was sentenced to serve eight years in prison after being found guilty of the 17 charges at the High Court in Glasgow. The charges encompassed a range of serious offences, including indecent assault, rape resulting in injury, lewd and indecent practices, as well as multiple counts of assault causing injury. The court's decision was based on the gravity of his actions and the extensive nature of his offending.

Following this sentencing, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service decided to challenge the leniency of the sentence, arguing that it did not adequately reflect the severity of McGeachy's crimes. They launched an appeal, emphasizing that for the sentence to be increased, it must be demonstrated that the original punishment was 'unduly lenient.' The appeal process was driven by the need to ensure that justice aligns with the seriousness of the offences committed.

Today, the Appeal Court reviewed the case and upheld the Crown's appeal. The original eight-year sentence was quashed, and McGeachy’s punishment was increased to a 12-year custodial term. This decision underscores the court's recognition of the gravity of his actions and the importance of appropriate sentencing in cases involving sexual and physical abuse.

Kenny Donnelly, Deputy Crown Agent for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, commented on the case, stating, “COPFS is committed to improving the criminal justice journey for victims, from the stage of reporting all the way through to sentencing. Prosecutors have a responsibility in legislation to consider appeals based upon undue leniency in sentencing. Such appeals are rare but important to ensure the public interest is properly served.”

He further emphasized that the justice system must reflect the harm caused by sexual offending and the culpability of the offender, ensuring that sentencing accurately represents the severity of the crimes committed. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable and to provide justice for victims of such heinous acts in Glasgow.