STEVE FARRELL FROM WISHAW SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN HAMILTON

In December 2008, a disturbing case unfolded at Hamilton Sheriff Court involving the sexual abuse of two young girls by their stepfather, Stevie Farrell, a resident of Wishaw, Lanarkshire. The court proceedings culminated in Farrell being sentenced to 12 months in prison for his heinous crimes, which had been committed when the victims were only children.

Farrell, aged 52, was found guilty of molesting the two girls, who had endured his abuse from the time they were just eight years old. The court's decision marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims, who had suffered in silence for years. The judge's ruling also included Farrell’s placement on the sex offenders’ register, emphasizing the severity of his crimes.

However, the aftermath of the sentencing was marred by a tense and emotional confrontation outside Hamilton Sheriff Court. As Farrell was led away in custody, the victims, now young women, approached their mother, Catherine, aged 45, who had chosen to stand by Farrell despite the court’s verdict. The daughters, visibly distressed, confronted their mother with accusations and expressions of betrayal. The 26-year-old daughter, tearful and angry, recounted the encounter: “My mum had come out of the court and I walked up to her and said ‘How can you call yourself a mother?’”

According to her account, a family member intervened, and her sister became involved in the heated exchange. The situation escalated quickly, attracting the attention of police officers who intervened to prevent the confrontation from turning violent. The officers warned the girls that if they did not disperse, they could face charges of breach of the peace.

Despite the jury’s verdict, Catherine Farrell refused to disassociate herself from her husband. She even provided testimony supporting Stevie Farrell during his trial, a stance that deeply hurt the victims. The 22-year-old sister revealed that Farrell had also molested her, adding to the trauma inflicted upon the family. She expressed her feelings of betrayal and disappointment, especially in light of her mother’s actions.

The young woman voiced her frustration with the sentence handed down to Farrell, describing it as a “joke” considering the pain he had caused. She stated: “My mother took the stand to defend him. Our childhood was a nightmare. I don’t ever want to see her again. I am disgusted with the sentence. Twelve months for the pain he has caused us is just a joke.”

Farrell’s criminal record was already marked by a previous six-month sentence for a knife offence, and his latest conviction added to his list of offenses. His case drew significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing issues of abuse and family loyalty in such tragic circumstances.