FORMER CLYDEBANK SCOUT LEADER ADMITS ABUSE
Predatory Andrew Sheridan previously admitted using lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour at Howcraigs Court, on several occasions towards an eight-year-old lad between January 1968 and December 1970.He then repeated his behaviour with another boy aged 11 between January 1971 and March 1973.
However, last week Sheridan avoided being handed a jail sentence during an appearance at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.
VILE Following the decision, the mother of one of his victims hit out and fumed: “I would have liked to see this vile, evil, obnoxious man get jailed.
Andrew Sheridan took advantage of young vulnerable boys whose mothers had put their trust in this paedophile by sending them to the 5th Clydebank cubs and Scouts based in Barnes Street, Whitecrook, not knowing what he was doing.
“I was disappointed that he never got a jail term.
His lawyer said Mr Sheridan is finding it an ordeal being in court and I was thinking what about the boys — did they not find it an ordeal?
“I’m angry at what he did to these boys.
I feel as if we were all taken in by him.
We were doing everything for the benefit of the kids and he’s getting gratification in a different way.” The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, also urged anyone else who may have been targeted to come forward.
SHAMED She added: “He’s very, very well known in Whitecrook, he used to be a teacher at Our Lady of Loreto, so I’m pleased he has been named and shamed and people know about him.
“I myself only found out three-and-a-half years ago when my son was 50.
My son approached me and said there’s something I want to tell you.
I wasn’t expecting it and he said the only other person who knew was his wife.
“I’m sure other boys are involved in this abuse but can’t bring themselves to talk about it as they are all in their 50s and have businesses and have done well for themselves but I hope when they read this they too will have the confidence to speak out and report him.” Defending Sheridan his solicitor said he was filled with “remorse” and had acknowledge the “dreadful and accurate” accounts of his two victims, accepting full responsibility for his actions.
His solicitor told the court how Sheridan was a “well thought of teacher” who had no other allegations against him in relation to his behaviour, despite ‘an element of publicity’ surrounding earlier court appearances.
He added: “I have a number of testimonies on his behalf, including one from a former colleague and head teacher whom he worked with and one from his GP who he is quite friendly with — these show the other side of him.” His solicitor described him as a ‘gentle, quiet man’ who had very little interests or friendships other than that with his brother, who he lives with in Ayrshire.
Sheridan was also described as a man who had suppressed his desires to re-offend.
His solicitor said: “He has never had a meaningful, emotional relationship and that has been the story of his life.
He has not enjoyed the whole court experience and does not present a serious risk to anyone.” The court also heard how Sheridan, a ‘religious man,’ can no longer go to church because of the restrictions of the sex offenders register.
Sentencing, Sheriff Simon Fraser told him: “These are serious offences — custody is at the forefront of my mind.
On the other hand, I can’t leave out that, where most recent, these offences took place over 40 years ago.” Sheridan was sentenced to two years probation, during which time he will be on the sex offenders register.
