ALISTAIR BENNIE FROM STRATHAVEN FACES JAIL AFTER GUILTY VERDICTS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN LANARKSHIRE

A 61-year-old masseur from Strathaven, Alistair Bennie, is now facing the possibility of imprisonment after being found guilty of indecently assaulting ten female patients across the Lanarkshire region. The conviction came after a detailed and lengthy trial held at Hamilton Sheriff Court, where the jury deliberated for a week before reaching their verdicts.

Throughout the proceedings, Bennie maintained his innocence, denying any allegations of molestation while providing treatment to his patients. Despite his protests, the jury found the evidence against him to be compelling, leading to his conviction. The victims, who ranged in age and background, recounted their experiences in court, describing feelings of violation, embarrassment, and shame. One woman explicitly stated she felt “very violated” after Bennie inappropriately touched her during a session, while others expressed that they were “very embarrassed” and “mortified” by his actions.

One of the women testified that she “froze” during the incident, highlighting the trauma she endured. Bennie’s defense team questioned why it had taken several years for most of the women to come forward, suggesting delays in reporting. However, prosecutor Neil Thomson argued that the case was “compelling,” emphasizing the “striking similarities” in the accounts of the victims, despite most of them not knowing each other. He described Bennie’s conduct as “a persistent course of conduct,” spanning from September 2017 to June 2022.

The assaults predominantly took place in the victims’ own homes, often when other individuals were present, which added to the victims’ feelings of vulnerability and fear. One victim explained her hesitation to report Bennie immediately, citing her dislike of confrontation and her feelings of sympathy towards him. She recounted that during their interactions, Bennie shared personal problems and life struggles, leading her to believe that he was “mentally not well,” which contributed to her decision to delay reporting.

Following the guilty verdicts, Bennie was placed on the sex offenders’ register. 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 conditions, including a prohibition from working as a masseur. The sheriff warned him sternly, stating, “The charges you have been convicted of are very serious and at this stage custody is uppermost in my mind.” The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice for victims of sexual misconduct.