TERRY MCMONAGLE'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN GLASGOW AND EAST KILBRIDE REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Glasgow and East Kilbride, former teacher Terry McMonagle has admitted to sexually abusing four young brothers over a span of nearly two decades. The revelations emerged during a court hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, where McMonagle, aged 60, pleaded guilty to multiple charges of sexual misconduct involving minors.

According to court records, McMonagle's abuse of the four brothers took place at various addresses across Glasgow and East Kilbride between the years 1979 and 1996. The court was told that the abuse had a profound and lasting impact on the victims, with one of the brothers experiencing such trauma that he was driven to a mental health crisis in his teenage years, even entering a church in Glasgow, undressing, and screaming in distress. The victims, all of whom are now adults, have undergone extensive counselling to cope with the psychological scars inflicted upon them.

Prosecutor Gillian Wade highlighted during the hearing that McMonagle had initially claimed ignorance of the wrongfulness of his actions. She stated, “Mr McMonagle said he did not know what he was doing was wrong at the time, although he now understands it was.” Wade further explained that McMonagle believed, due to his own homosexuality, that it was acceptable to engage in sexual relations with males of any age. However, over the years, he came to realize that such conduct was inappropriate, especially involving young boys. Despite this acknowledgment, McMonagle admitted in police interviews that he remains attracted to young children but claims to be celibate and to avoid access to the internet or children altogether.

McMonagle’s background includes work as a supply teacher in Lanarkshire, where he was employed at various schools catering to children with learning difficulties. In the later years of his career, he held an advisory role. Additionally, he was involved in youth football in Glasgow, running teams for several years. The court was informed that he abused two of his victims when they were between six and thirteen years old, while the other two were aged between eight and fourteen, and nine and fourteen at the time of the abuse.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that McMonagle had told one of his young victims, “I love you lots and lots and lots,” as he committed the abuse. On another occasion, he justified his actions by saying, “I only do these things because I love you,” to the same boy. These statements underscore the manipulative and predatory nature of his conduct.

Following the guilty plea, McMonagle was remanded in custody. The court has scheduled his sentencing for June at the High Court in Inverness. Judge Lord Woolma ordered McMonagle to be placed on the sex offenders’ register, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring. The case has brought to light the disturbing reality of abuse within trusted community roles and the devastating impact on victims, prompting calls for vigilance and safeguarding in all institutions involving children.