JOHN PRINGLE FROM MULL FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN ARROCHAR AND BISHOPBRIGGS

In a significant case that has brought to light disturbing allegations from decades past, a judge has formally concluded that John Pringle, a 90-year-old former teacher from Mull, was responsible for sexually abusing two young boys over 40 years ago. The court's decision was based on a thorough review of the evidence presented, which painted a troubling picture of the offences committed during a camping trip at Arrochar, located in Argyll and Bute.

These heinous acts took place at a caravan situated in Arrochar between April 1972 and January 1974. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Pringle, who was deemed unfit to stand trial due to health reasons, was not present in court for the proceedings. The hearing was conducted at the High Court in Glasgow, where Judge John Morris QC presided over the case without a jury. After carefully examining the evidence, the judge found no reasonable grounds to acquit Pringle, effectively confirming his guilt.

One of the victims, who was only 14 years old at the time, recounted how Pringle would give him alcohol before subjecting him to abuse. The other victim, aged 13 during the incidents, described how Pringle not only provided alcohol but also showed him pornographic magazines prior to committing indecent assaults. These testimonies were pivotal in establishing the pattern of abuse and the credibility of the witnesses.

Prosecutor Kath Harper explained that the victims came forward independently, motivated by different reasons. One victim was haunted by the memories of the abuse, which had been weighing heavily on his mind, while the other was influenced by the revelations surrounding Jimmy Savile, which prompted him to speak out. Both men reported their experiences within a fortnight of each other, highlighting the impact of the case and the importance of speaking out against such crimes.

The court also heard that Pringle, who previously worked as a French teacher at Bishopbriggs Academy, had a history of similar offences. He had been convicted twice before for abusing boys. In 2008, he was sentenced to prison for sexually abusing boys after luring three teenage boys to his caravan at Arrochar between 1979 and 1981, when they were aged 13 and 14. Additionally, in 2010, he received a 12-month jail term at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for similar offences involving teenage boys at Arrochar.

Judge Morris, after reviewing all the evidence and considering the credibility of the witnesses, stated, “I find the facts have been established. The witnesses were credible and reliable.” The court will reconvene next month at the High Court in Edinburgh to determine whether any further orders or restrictions will be imposed on Pringle, given his criminal history and the severity of the allegations.

This case underscores the long-lasting impact of abuse and the importance of justice, even many years after the offences occurred. The community in Mull, Arrochar, and Bishopbriggs continues to grapple with the revelations, and the court’s decision marks a significant step in addressing past abuses and seeking accountability.