Ex-Celtic Boys Club coach jailed over abuse

EX-CELTIC BOYS CLUB COACH JAILED OVER ABUSE

A former Celtic Boys Club manager received a four-year prison sentence after being convicted on nine counts related to the sexual abuse of young football players.

The judge, Sheriff Daniel Kelly, described the 83-year-old former coach, Frank Cairney, as a "wolf in sheep’s clothing" during sentencing.

The court was told that Cairney’s victims had suffered immensely, with abuse reported to have occurred from the 1980s onwards.

The victims’ bravery was praised by the sheriff, and it was noted that Cairney had previously been cleared of similar allegations two decades prior.

Following Cairney’s December conviction, a man who claimed Cairney had assaulted him in the early 1970s stated that justice had finally caught up with the "evil paedophile".

This victim, whose identity remains confidential, accused Cairney of abusing his influence at Celtic FC to access and victimize young boys, some of whom he reportedly attacked within Celtic Park’s dressing room.

In comments to BBC Scotland after sentencing, the victim said Cairney had been given four years, but the trauma inflicted leaves victims with a lifelong burden.

He described his memory of Cairney in court as "evil" and questioned whether the prison terms were enough to prevent future harm.

Cairney’s conviction makes him the third ex-Celtic Boys Club coach to face child sex abuse convictions in recent months.

Previously, Jim Torbett, the club’s founder, was sentenced to six years, and teacher Gerald King was also convicted of abusing boys at a school.

Celtic FC issued a statement emphasising their separation from Celtic Boys’ Club, expressing regret for the victims and their ongoing distress.

They appreciated the courage of those who reported the abuse, recognizing their bravery in coming forward after many years.