ALEXANDER BISSETT SHOCKS RUTHERGLEN WITH SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG RECRUITS AT GLASGOW AND MOTHERWELL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Rutherglen and beyond, Alexander Bissett, aged 59, was found guilty of heinous sexual offenses committed over three decades ago. The former Army cadet sergeant, who resided on Main Street in Rutherglen at the time of the crimes, was convicted of abusing two young recruits while serving as an adult instructor within the Territorial Army Cadets.

During the trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Bissett's misconduct extended beyond just the two victims. Court proceedings uncovered evidence that he had shown a third boy explicit pornography and had exposed himself in front of a fourth young person. These allegations paint a disturbing picture of predatory behavior that spanned several years and locations.

One of the victims, now 42 years old, bravely testified about the long-lasting impact of Bissett’s actions. He described how he has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression since his teenage years, a consequence of the abuse he endured when he was only 12. The man, whose identity was protected for legal reasons, recounted his traumatic experience, stating: “I went to his room in the barracks, to clean his boots, but he used to tell me not to bother. He started giving me pornographic magazines to look at.”

The victim further detailed an incident during a weekend camp at Winston Barracks in Lanark, where Bissett entered the dormitory and performed a sex act on him. At the time, he was too frightened to report what had happened, a fear that many victims of abuse often face.

Alexander Bissett faced a five-day trial during which he was convicted of multiple charges, including the sexual abuse of two teenage boys, showing pornographic material to another boy, and exposing himself to a fourth young person. The offenses took place at various locations, including Bissett’s then residence on Ellisland Crescent in Rutherglen, Winston Barracks in Lanark, and the TA cadet hut in Motherwell. The crimes were committed over a period stretching from February 1971 to December 1978.

Throughout the proceedings, Bissett maintained his innocence, denying all charges brought against him. However, the jury found sufficient evidence to convict him of the serious offenses.

Sheriff Craig Henry has deferred sentencing until next month, citing the need for background reports and a comprehensive risk assessment to determine the potential danger Bissett may pose to the public. The case has left the community grappling with the betrayal of trust and the long shadow cast by these disturbing acts.