FARAMARZ KAZEMI'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN MENSTRIE AND TULLIBODY REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Menstrie and the surrounding areas, Faramarz Kazemi, a man with a dark history of criminal behavior, was convicted of multiple serious charges related to indecency and abuse. The events leading to his conviction span several decades, with allegations dating back to the 1980s, and involve disturbing acts committed in and around his shop in Menstrie, a small town near Alloa.

Kazemi, who was 66 years old at the time of his trial, had previously served time in prison after being sentenced in 2004 to a total of seven years for his crimes. His conviction was based on the testimonies of two sisters, who both accused him of molestation and abuse. The court heard that the abuse inflicted upon one of the sisters began when she was just six years old and continued until she reached 16. The allegations included not only physical abuse but also the production of indecent photographs and videos, which Kazemi took during the period of abuse.

The court also heard that Kazemi engaged in disturbing sexual activities involving the girl and her mother, including sessions described as 'three-in-a-bed.' These acts, along with the abuse of the younger sister, who was molested on a single occasion when she was between eight and ten, painted a picture of a man deeply involved in heinous acts of exploitation.

At the time of his arrest, Kazemi was serving as a councillor for the Menstrie area, having been elected as an Independent to Clackmannanshire Council. His election was short-lived, as he resigned from his position following his conviction. The case drew significant media attention, not only because of the severity of the crimes but also because of the timing—his arrest and trial occurred just days after his election victory.

Seeking to overturn his convictions, Kazemi took his case to the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh. He argued that some of the charges should have been dismissed on legal grounds before the jury deliberated. However, the appeal was unsuccessful. Lord Osborne, sitting with Lords Macfadyen and Johnston, upheld the original ruling of the trial judge, affirming the convictions.

The appeal court's decision was based on the evidence provided by the two sisters, whose stories corroborated each other. The judges ruled that the testimony of one sister could indeed support the credibility of the other, thus reinforcing the case against Kazemi. The court emphasized that the evidence of abuse, which was presented during the trial, was compelling enough to sustain the convictions.

Overall, the case has left a lasting impact on the community of Menstrie and the wider region, highlighting the disturbing reality of abuse hidden behind closed doors. Kazemi's actions, as detailed in court, have been described as heinous and deeply damaging, with the court's ruling serving as a stark reminder of the importance of justice for victims of such crimes.