THOMAS LAIRD: AIRDIE AND COATBRIDGE SEX PREDATOR SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ABUSE

In April 2015, Thomas Laird, a man with a disturbing history of sexual violence, was sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of raping three women over an extensive period spanning 18 years. The heinous crimes committed by Laird took place across various locations, including Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, and Lanarkshire, with specific references to his known residences in Airdrie and Coatbridge.

During the court proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow, it was revealed that Laird, aged 39 at the time, had engaged in a pattern of abuse that deeply scarred his victims. The court also imposed a lifelong restriction order, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the threat he posed to society. One of the most harrowing testimonies came from a woman who tearfully recounted how Laird had groomed her sister from the tender age of 11. She described how, after discovering her sister was pregnant by Laird, she found herself confronting a terrifying scene where Laird, wielding a knife, threatened to rape her if she revealed the truth.

The case was brought to justice after one of Laird’s victims contacted the police’s domestic abuse taskforce, prompting an investigation that uncovered his extensive history of abuse. Ms. McCluskey, a police representative, issued a stark reminder to the public, stating, “May I take this opportunity to remind people that domestic abuse is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated by Police Scotland. We will continue with our efforts to trace perpetrators of this type of crime, and we remain focused on targeting these repeat and serial offenders across the country.”

Earlier, in June 2014, Laird was convicted of similar offenses, with the court describing him as “clever, manipulative and exploitative.” Judge Michael O’Grady QC deferred sentencing, highlighting the gravity of Laird’s actions. The judge condemned Laird for his “appalling course of violence and sexual abuse against a number of women,” emphasizing that he posed a significant risk to women of all ages and showed complete indifference to the suffering he caused.

Testimonies from victims painted a disturbing picture of Laird’s predatory behavior. One woman, who met Laird when she was just 15, recounted how he threatened to rape her, saying, “I’ll do it so that every time you have sex, you will remember me.” She also described how Laird, who was her partner at the time, had groomed her younger sister from the age of 11. Her emotional account detailed how she decided to leave Laird after discovering her sister was pregnant by him. In a heated confrontation, Laird grabbed her by the neck and insisted they work things out, despite her attempts to leave. He then produced a knife and made the threat of rape.

Further testimonies revealed Laird’s violent tendencies, including instances where he slapped, punched, and choked victims, often refusing to accept their refusals for sex. One victim described how Laird continued to text her and her teenage daughter after their breakup, indicating ongoing harassment. Another victim recounted how Laird ignored her pleas to stop during sex, responding dismissively, “Oh the wee lassie can’t take it,” which left her humiliated.

Additional accounts detailed Laird’s use of internet platforms to meet victims, with one describing sex with him as “rough,” and how he ignored her requests to stop, asserting, “It’s not consensual sex when you are held down.” His pattern of controlling and violent behavior extended to threats with knives and physical assaults, including slapping, punching, and choking victims who resisted his advances. His victims consistently reported that Laird would taunt them with insults about their appearance and would isolate them from friends and family, using violence to maintain control.

In summing up the case, prosecutor Kath Harper emphasized Laird’s dangerous nature, stating, “If Mr. Laird didn’t get his own way, the nastiness and violence followed. He is a danger to women and in particular vulnerable women. He needs to get his own way. He will not be crossed.” The court’s verdict and sentencing reflect the serious threat Laird posed and the extensive efforts by law enforcement to bring him to justice for his long history of abuse and violence.