THOMAS SMYTH OF SALTCOATS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN IN GLASGOW COURT

In a significant development in the fight against child sexual abuse, Thomas Smyth, an 85-year-old resident of Saltcoats, was formally sentenced to five years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, May 2. The court heard that Smyth had admitted to sexually abusing three young girls over a span of a decade, from 1965 to 1975, at various addresses within Saltcoats.

Lord Matthews, presiding over the case, addressed Smyth directly, stating, “These were disgusting offences against children who look to you for support and protection.” Following his conviction, Smyth was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, marking a serious step in ensuring public safety and monitoring.

The details of the case reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse that began when the victims were very young. The first girl was just four years old when Smyth first assaulted her, and the abuse continued when she was around nine. Prosecutor Duncan McPhie explained that despite the girl expressing her discomfort by telling Smyth she did not like what was happening, she did not disclose the abuse to anyone at the time.

The second victim was approximately five years old when Smyth sexually abused her, and the third girl was between 10 and 11 years old during her ordeal. Court records indicate that Smyth often used physical contact, such as giving two of the victims piggyback rides, during which he touched their private parts. One of the victims was taken into a bedroom by Smyth, where the abuse occurred in a more private setting.

It was only in 2017 that the victims, now adults, bravely came forward to report the abuse, leading to Smyth’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings. Initially, Smyth denied the allegations, claiming, “It did not happen,” but later pleaded guilty to three charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour.

Prior to his guilty plea, Smyth had failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing, citing ill health as the reason for his absence. His failure to attend prompted the court to take further action, and he was remanded into custody. Judge Lord Matthews ordered a report to be prepared before the final sentencing, emphasizing the seriousness of the offences and the need for appropriate punishment.

During the proceedings, defence counsel Louise Arrol indicated that she would present her plea in mitigation at the next court session scheduled for the following month. Smyth’s case underscores the importance of perseverance by victims and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice, even after many years have passed since the crimes occurred.