STRATHAVEN MASSEUR ALISTAIR BENNIE CONVICTED OF GROPING TEN WOMEN IN SHOCKING CASE
| Red Rose Database
Strathaven Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Strathaven, Alistair Bennie, a 61-year-old masseur, has been found guilty of indecently assaulting ten female patients over a period spanning nearly five years. The conviction follows a detailed week-long trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court, where the jury deliberated extensively before reaching their verdict.
Despite Bennie’s vehement denial of any misconduct, the court heard compelling evidence from the victims, many of whom described feelings of violation, embarrassment, and trauma. One woman recounted feeling “very violated” after Bennie inappropriately touched her during a treatment session. Several others expressed that they felt “very embarrassed” and “mortified” by his actions. One victim even described her reaction as “freezing” in place, unable to move or speak during the assault.
Throughout the proceedings, Bennie’s legal team questioned why it had taken several years for most of the women to come forward and report the incidents. However, prosecutor Neil Thomson emphasized the strength of the case against him, describing it as “compelling.” He pointed out that although most of the women did not know each other, there were “striking similarities” in their accounts of Bennie’s conduct, which he characterized as “a persistent course of conduct.”
The assaults took place between September 2017 and June 2022, with most of the victims targeted in their own homes. In many cases, the women were alone with Bennie, often with other people present in the house, which added to the distress and complexity of the situation. One victim explained her delay in reporting the abuse, citing her dislike of confrontation and her feelings of sympathy for Bennie. She stated, “When we were chatting he told me about his personal life and problems he was having. I believe mentally he was not well and I felt sorry for him.”
Following the guilty verdicts, Bennie was placed on the sex offenders’ register. The court, presided over by Sheriff Linda Nicolson, deferred sentencing until May to allow for background checks, an electronic tagging assessment, and a comprehensive risk assessment. Bennie, who resides on Hamilton Road in Strathaven, remains on bail with strict conditions, including a prohibition from working as a masseur. The sheriff warned him sternly, saying, “The charges you have been convicted of are very serious and at this stage custody is uppermost in my mind.”
Despite Bennie’s vehement denial of any misconduct, the court heard compelling evidence from the victims, many of whom described feelings of violation, embarrassment, and trauma. One woman recounted feeling “very violated” after Bennie inappropriately touched her during a treatment session. Several others expressed that they felt “very embarrassed” and “mortified” by his actions. One victim even described her reaction as “freezing” in place, unable to move or speak during the assault.
Throughout the proceedings, Bennie’s legal team questioned why it had taken several years for most of the women to come forward and report the incidents. However, prosecutor Neil Thomson emphasized the strength of the case against him, describing it as “compelling.” He pointed out that although most of the women did not know each other, there were “striking similarities” in their accounts of Bennie’s conduct, which he characterized as “a persistent course of conduct.”
The assaults took place between September 2017 and June 2022, with most of the victims targeted in their own homes. In many cases, the women were alone with Bennie, often with other people present in the house, which added to the distress and complexity of the situation. One victim explained her delay in reporting the abuse, citing her dislike of confrontation and her feelings of sympathy for Bennie. She stated, “When we were chatting he told me about his personal life and problems he was having. I believe mentally he was not well and I felt sorry for him.”
Following the guilty verdicts, Bennie was placed on the sex offenders’ register. The court, presided over by Sheriff Linda Nicolson, deferred sentencing until May to allow for background checks, an electronic tagging assessment, and a comprehensive risk assessment. Bennie, who resides on Hamilton Road in Strathaven, remains on bail with strict conditions, including a prohibition from working as a masseur. The sheriff warned him sternly, saying, “The charges you have been convicted of are very serious and at this stage custody is uppermost in my mind.”