TREVOR COLE SHOCKS FURNACE, SHEFFIELD, AND TARBERT WITH CHILD INDECENCY CRIME

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the small communities of Furnace, Sheffield, and Tarbert, Trevor Cole, a man with a troubling history, has been convicted of multiple charges related to child indecency. The proceedings took place at Dunoon Sheriff Court, where the jury reached a majority verdict in January, finding Cole guilty on seven counts out of the original twelve he faced. The court heard harrowing details of his offenses against young boys aged between seven and 13, with the crimes spanning over nearly a decade, from 2004 to 2013.

Trevor Malcolm Cole, aged 57 at the time of sentencing, was a former driving instructor based in Furnace. He was also known to have resided in Tarbert, where one of his victims was from. Cole’s criminal activities came to light after some of his victims, who were from Furnace and Tarbert, confided in others about their experiences. The allegations surfaced when the victims discussed their trauma with friends, leading to concerned parents and authorities becoming involved. It was revealed that Cole had exploited his position of trust, often using secluded forest tracks near his home—particularly those in the Loch Fyne area—to carry out his abuse.

During the trial, which lasted seven days, the court heard testimonies from the victims, many of whom appeared via video link. One of the victims from Tarbert recounted how Cole had invited him to watch pornography and had exposed himself, while others described attempts by Cole to expose or touch their private parts. The evidence painted a disturbing picture of predatory behavior, with some victims describing being assaulted in Cole’s car or at his residence, often when his partner was away on night shifts. The court also heard that Cole had been the head of the parent council at the local school in Furnace, which added a layer of betrayal given his position of authority and trust within the community.

One father, whose child was among the victims, expressed his horror and disappointment, stating, “Cole was head of the parent council at the local school, and was always taking photos of kids. We always thought it must be to do with the school or whatever, and although he came across as a bit weird, no one thought he would be capable of this. It has been a year from hell for everyone concerned. He totally abused his position of trust in the worst possible way and it has had a horrific effect on the whole village.” The father also noted that Cole’s behavior during bail was unsettling, as he continued to walk freely around the village, leaving victims terrified whenever they encountered him.

Following the guilty verdict, Sheriff Thomas Ward expressed his concern that the maximum sentence available in Scotland at the time—five years—was insufficient to adequately punish Cole. As a result, the case was referred to the High Court for sentencing, scheduled for March 9. The court also learned that Cole had been living in Scotland for at least nine years before his crimes were uncovered. His offenses only came to light after some victims overheard discussions about calling Childline regarding a friend who had been raped by Cole. This revelation prompted parents to investigate further, leading to the discovery of Cole’s abuse.

It was also revealed that Cole had exploited the legal loophole allowing under-17s to take driving lessons without being on public roads. The numerous deserted forest tracks near his residence provided him with the perfect environment to isolate and abuse his young victims. Cole’s defense team, led by Lorraine Glancy QC, vehemently denied all allegations, claiming that the boys were lying and that there was no evidence to support the charges. Conversely, the prosecution, represented by Procurator Fiscal David Glancy, described Cole’s conduct as a “catalogue of inappropriate behavior” driven by his own sexual gratification.

In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Ward emphasized the gravity of Cole’s crimes, stating, “You have been found guilty of a vast catalogue of offences against young boys, supported by compelling evidence.” Cole was remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing scheduled for March 8, where reports from social work and psychiatric evaluations will be considered before the final decision is made. Meanwhile, Cole remains in detention, awaiting the outcome of the High Court proceedings, which could see him face a lengthy prison term.

In addition to his criminal activities, Cole maintained a website where he advertised driving lessons at £24 per hour, along with various learner packages. He boasted about passing the Approved Driving Instructor qualification in 2011 and praised his Citroen DS3, which he claimed was “the best small car you can buy at present,” a vehicle famously endorsed by Jeremy Clarkson. His professional profile and personal life have now been overshadowed by the serious allegations and conviction, leaving the communities of Furnace, Sheffield, and Tarbert grappling with the betrayal and trauma caused by his actions.