VIEWPARK CHILDREN'S HOME SEX OFFENDER FRANCIS HANNAWAY SENTENCED FOR EIGHT-YEAR ABUSE CAMPAIGN
In September 2016, a disturbing case involving long-term child abuse emerged from Viewpark, where a man named Francis Hannaway, aged 63, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes committed against vulnerable young girls.The court proceedings revealed that Hannaway, who worked at a children’s home, had engaged in a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse spanning over eight years, beginning when one of his victims was only six years old.
The most serious charges included sexual activity with an 11-year-old girl at a residential facility in Lanarkshire in 2014.
The court also convicted Hannaway of abusing another girl over an extended period, starting from when she was just six years old, at a house located in Viewpark.
These allegations painted a grim picture of exploitation and betrayal of trust, given his role within a children’s home environment.
Throughout the trial, Hannaway maintained his innocence, vehemently denying all accusations.
As the verdicts were read, he mouthed the words “it’s all lies,” showing no remorse or acknowledgment of the gravity of the crimes.
The presiding sheriff, Douglas Brown, responded sternly, remanding Hannaway into custody and issuing a stark warning: “Given the nature of these charges, you should expect a substantial sentence when you return to court.” The court heard that Hannaway was convicted of multiple serious offenses, including lewd and libidinous behavior, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
The evidence against him was compelling, and the jury found him guilty of all charges related to the abuse of the girl from the children’s home as well as the Viewpark victim.
The case took a dramatic turn when Hannaway’s wife of 40 years discovered a photograph of a child on his mobile phone.
This discovery led to him being expelled from their home, and police were called to investigate.
Despite the mounting evidence, Hannaway insisted during the four-week trial that his accusers were fabricating their stories, claiming that he was innocent of all allegations.
The court’s verdict, however, confirmed his guilt, and he now faces a significant prison sentence for his actions.
