JAMES KINNEN FROM BRISTOL AND CRAIGNEUK SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, James Kinnen, a former football coach with ties to both Craigneuk in Lanarkshire and Bristol, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young boys during the 1970s. The court heard that Kinnen, aged 74 at the time of sentencing, committed these heinous acts decades ago but was only brought to justice following a detailed investigation into historical child sexual abuse within Scottish football.

Judge Lord Matthews delivered a stern verdict, condemning Kinnen for his actions which he described as "horrific offences with catastrophic consequences" for the victims. The judge emphasized that Kinnen’s abuse was compounded by the position of trust he held as a coach, exploiting the innocence and vulnerability of the young boys he was supposed to be guiding and mentoring.

The criminal proceedings revealed that Kinnen resided in Craigneuk, Lanarkshire, at the time of the offences, which took place between 1972 and 1977. During this period, he was actively coaching a local youth football team, a role that allowed him access to impressionable children. The first victim, who was only 11 years old when he joined the team, was targeted by Kinnen in his own home. The coach subjected the boy to sexual abuse and threatened to label him as homosexual if he disclosed what had happened. The court was told that this victim was too frightened to report the abuse at the time, fearing repercussions and believing that he would be taken into care. The trauma has left him feeling physically ill when recalling the incidents, and he has even contemplated suicide as a result of the abuse.

The investigation eventually identified a second victim, who had joined the same football club at the age of seven. This boy was subjected to multiple instances of abuse over several years until he left the club at age 11. Prosecutor Bernard Ablett explained that the second victim was also threatened by Kinnen, who warned him that if he ever told anyone about the abuse, he would be killed. These threats, coupled with the coach’s manipulative behavior, left the boy genuinely terrified, believing that Kinnen would carry out his threats.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Kinnen is a registered sex offender, currently monitored by Avon and Somerset Police. He has a criminal history that includes four previous convictions for sexual offences, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned many years.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lord Matthews condemned Kinnen’s actions, stating, "You have pled guilty to horrific offences with catastrophic consequences for the young boys who you abused. It is aggravated by the position of trust that you held. You held the dreams of these young boys and took advantage for your own ends." The court’s decision underscores the severity of Kinnen’s crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, who have endured trauma that continues to affect their lives to this day.