BRAIN THOM FROM EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE SENTENCED FOR 14-YEAR TERROR OF WOMEN IN BEARSDEN AND CAMBUSLANG

A man named Brain Thom, residing in East Dunbartonshire, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after a series of heinous sexual and physical assaults spanning over a decade. The crimes, which inflicted significant trauma on two women, took place across the towns of Bearsden and Cambuslang from 2007 to 2021.

On Monday, August 12, 2024, the High Court in Edinburgh found Thom guilty of a total of 17 charges. These charges included multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and physical violence. The court's decision came after a detailed trial that uncovered the extent of Thom’s disturbing pattern of abuse over the years.

Following the verdict, Thom, aged 37, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

Detective Inspector Gary Smillie, from the Lanarkshire Division Public Protection Unit, issued a statement emphasizing the danger Thom represented. He described Thom as a "dangerous, violent man" who subjected his victims to "horrendous ordeals." Inspector Smillie expressed hope that the legal outcome would aid the victims in their recovery process and serve as a reminder of the importance of reporting such crimes.

He also took the opportunity to commend the bravery of the women who came forward to report their experiences, acknowledging their strength throughout the legal proceedings. Inspector Smillie urged anyone who has experienced physical or sexual abuse to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the incident. He assured the public that all reports are taken seriously, thoroughly investigated, and that trained officers and partner agencies are available to provide support.

This case emerges amid rising concerns in Scotland, where recent statistics reveal a nine percent increase in reports of rape and attempted rape over the past year. The authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual violence, aiming to reduce these alarming trends and bring offenders like Thom to justice.