RENFREWSHIRE MAN, 92, FOUND GUILTY OF HISTORIC CHILD ABUSE AT CARE HOME
A former children’s home worker, John Porteous, sexually abused two young boys more than five decades ago.He was employed as a houseparent at Quarriers Village children’s home in Renfrewshire.
The court ruled that between 1966 and 1972, Porteous targeted vulnerable children, abusing them in a manner classified as indecent assault and lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices.
Although Porteous was deemed unfit for criminal trial following an independent medical assessment, the Examination of Facts at Greenock Sheriff Court established his guilt.
He was found to have committed these offences, and two charges were confirmed.
As a consequence, he has now been added to the sex offenders register for five years.
Procurator Fiscal Anne Marie Hicks from the Crown Office stated that Porteous exploited his position of authority to abuse the children and emphasized that this record serves as a clear message to abusers across Scotland that justice will be pursued regardless of time elapsed or who the offender is.
The court had previously determined that Porteous could not stand trial, leading to an Examination of Facts where evidence was presented and tested before a sheriff.
Hicks urged victims to report abuse when they are ready and assured support would be available.
The article underscores the importance of accountability and justice in cases of historic abuse, and highlights the ongoing commitment of Scottish authorities to pursue offenders and support victims.
