FRANCIS SOUTH, PRESTWICK PREDATOR, ADMITS GUILT IN SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Prestwick community, 70-year-old Francis South has confessed to a series of heinous sexual abuse charges spanning over a decade, dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. The allegations, which remained concealed for more than 30 years, only came to light after one of his victims, now aged 38, decided to contact the police last September.

Following her report, another woman, who recognized South’s name in connection with the case, also came forward, revealing her own traumatic experiences. This chain of disclosures prompted a thorough investigation, culminating in South’s full admission of guilt during police interviews. South, who resides on Kirk Street in Prestwick, expressed awareness that his crimes would eventually be uncovered, and he also admitted to abusing two additional children beyond those initially identified.

During a court hearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Fiscal Depute Imran Bashir detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse. The four victims, all known to South, had been children playing near or within his former residence in the St Leonard’s area. South was also known locally as a first aider, a role that made him a trusted figure among young children, who would often seek him out for minor injuries such as cuts or scrapes.

The earliest victim, who was only four years old at the time, was subjected to South’s abuse in his living room beginning in 1977. The abuse extended to a caravan located next to South’s home in St Leonard’s. The court heard that the same girl later recalled an incident at Hamilton Ice Rink, where South worked as a steward. He took her into the first aid room and instructed her to remove her jeans, an act that left a lasting impact.

Another victim, now aged 42, was nine or ten when she was abused by South. She was with other children when South ordered everyone except her to leave and then instructed her to kneel on the couch and watch the other girls playing. The court also heard about an incident in South’s kitchen involving another victim, further illustrating the pattern of predatory behavior.

In addition to these cases, two other women, now aged 36 and 37, recounted being abused by South at his St Leonard’s home and in a nearby property. In a victim impact statement read aloud in court, the 38-year-old woman who first reported the abuse described how South “stole her innocence,” while another victim expressed that South had “damaged a little girl for the rest of her life.”

South’s defense solicitor described her client as “extremely remorseful” and said he had been overwhelmed with guilt for many years. Despite his age and the absence of previous convictions, the court was told that a custodial sentence was a serious consideration given the gravity of the offenses.

Sheriff Ray Small deferred sentencing until September 25 to allow for reports to be prepared and ordered South to be placed on the sex offenders register. Addressing South directly, the sheriff stated, “You have pled guilty to disgraceful and inappropriate behaviour towards young girls over a sustained period of time. This was a breach of trust, and despite your age and lack of prior convictions, a custodial sentence will be seriously considered.” South, who was in custody at the time, faced the court with the weight of his actions hanging heavily over him, marking a significant moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for his victims.