JOHN LAIRD FROM BLANTYRE FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLGIRL AND ADDED TO SEX OFFENDERS’ REGISTER

In a recent court case held at Hamilton Sheriff Court, a man from Blantyre named John Laird was convicted of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl in his hometown. The incident took place at a residence in Blantyre, where Laird, aged 56, was accused of inappropriate physical contact with the teenage girl, specifically handling her breast over her clothing in June of the previous year.

John Laird, who resides on Glenfruin Road in Blantyre, faced charges under section three of the Sexual Offences Act 2009. Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, the court found him guilty after a summary trial. The presiding sheriff, Carole Cunninghame, delivered the verdict last Wednesday, November 26, after considering all evidence presented during the proceedings.

The case included forensic evidence presented by police scientist Jamie Horsburgh, who was asked by the procurator fiscal service to analyze a Superman-themed pyjama top recovered from the scene. During the trial, Mr. Horsburgh explained that he examined both the inside chest area and the outside back of the garment using specialized adhesive tape designed to collect DNA material.

He reported that the DNA analysis revealed traces from at least three individuals on the fabric. The DNA found on the back of the top was a mixture from three people, making it difficult to interpret definitively. Conversely, the DNA on the inside of the top was more clearly attributable, containing genetic material from Laird, the girl, and a third unidentified person. The forensic scientist indicated that this evidence could suggest a transfer of DNA, but the nature of that transfer—whether direct or indirect—could not be conclusively determined.

When questioned by the prosecution, Mr. Horsburgh confirmed that if Laird had touched the girl’s breast, a DNA match would likely be present inside the pyjama top. During cross-examination, Laird’s defense lawyer, Tony Graham, asked whether the DNA evidence could distinguish between direct contact and indirect transfer through shed DNA. Mr. Horsburgh responded that while direct transfer was possible, the evidence did not definitively establish the mode of transfer in this case.

The girl, who was the victim in this case, provided her testimony at the start of the trial, describing the incident from her perspective. Following the guilty verdict, Sheriff Cunninghame deferred sentencing until January 19 to allow for a criminal justice social work report. Meanwhile, John Laird has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, reflecting the seriousness of the conviction and the court’s measures to monitor his conduct moving forward.