COLIN BANDEEN SENTENCED TO NEARLY 12 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN ANGUS AND FIFE

An Angus-based businessman has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 11 years and nine months after being convicted of abusing five children and attempting to target additional victims. Colin Bandeen, who was the owner of a motorsport company, faced a jury trial at the High Court in Stirling, where he was found guilty of a total of 12 charges related to his criminal conduct.

His offending spanned nearly two decades, with incidents occurring at various addresses in Angus and Fife from 2001 through 2019. Following his release from prison, Bandeen will also be subject to a two-year period of supervised release, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. Additionally, he has been 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.

The court proceedings revealed that Bandeen exploited his community ties and position of trust to gain access to vulnerable children. It was detailed that he befriended several parents, often under the guise of concern or through church connections, to infiltrate their families. Evidence showed that Bandeen would invite himself into their homes, present gifts, and even take children on holidays, all while grooming them for abuse. His manipulative tactics included frequent visits to families, providing alcohol to parents, and establishing a false sense of friendship and concern.

One of the most disturbing aspects of his conduct involved sharing a sleeping bag with two young boys in the living room, which allowed him to carry out repeated acts of abuse for his own gratification. His actions extended further when he involved other children, such as MD, through indecent assaults and attempts to facilitate sexual activity between minors. The court heard that Bandeen’s behavior was not opportunistic but the result of long-term grooming, with evidence indicating a calculated effort to manipulate and control his victims.

The impact on the victims was described as devastating. Victim impact statements detailed struggles with flashbacks, depression, disrupted education, and even suicidal thoughts. Many victims reported difficulty trusting others and forming relationships, with some experiencing ongoing emotional and psychological trauma. The court acknowledged that Bandeen’s actions not only harmed individual children but also destroyed family relationships and trust within the community.

Sentencing at the High Court in Kilmarnock was presided over by Lord Cubie, who imposed an extended sentence of 13 years and 9 months, with the custodial portion set at 11 years and nine months. The additional two-year period is to be served under supervision in the community, reflecting concerns about the ongoing risk Bandeen poses. The judge emphasized that Bandeen’s denial of his crimes, lack of remorse, and absence of insight into his behavior heightened the risk of reoffending.

Lord Cubie detailed the nature of Bandeen’s offenses, highlighting the persistent grooming and abuse of children, including the four children from the S family and their friend MD. The court described Bandeen’s actions as calculated and predatory, exploiting vulnerabilities and establishing a pattern of long-term manipulation. The judge also noted that Bandeen’s behavior extended beyond opportunistic acts, indicating a disturbing sense of entitlement and proprietorial attitude towards his victims.

The court further expressed concern over Bandeen’s continued interest in young boys, which remains a significant risk factor. Despite having no previous convictions, the duration and severity of his offending, coupled with his ongoing denial, led the judge to conclude that a custodial sentence was necessary to protect society. The court also imposed concurrent sentences of 18 months for lesser charges and a consecutive nine-month sentence for additional offenses involving attempts to contact and influence other children.

Finally, the court confirmed that Bandeen’s sexual offences notification requirements will be lifelong, ensuring ongoing monitoring and reporting obligations. His sentence was backdated to July 23, the date he was first remanded in custody, marking the culmination of a case that has left a lasting impact on the victims and the community in Angus and Fife.