MICHAEL MAHER POUNCES ON 12-YEAR-OLD IN BIGGAR HOME: SHOCKING ABUSE REVEALED AFTER 50 YEARS
| Red Rose Database
Biggar Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has resurfaced after more than five decades, Michael Maher, a former parish priest from Biggar, has been sentenced to six months in jail following his conviction for historic sexual abuse. The offences, which took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s, involved Maher assaulting a young girl in her own family home, an incident that remained hidden for decades until the victim finally came forward.
Father Michael Maher, aged 74 at the time of sentencing, was the priest serving at St Isidore’s in Biggar and St Mary Magdalene’s in Forth. His relationship with the victim’s family was close, as he was known to be a frequent visitor to their residence in Lanarkshire. The girl, who was only 12 years old at the time, was subjected to Maher’s abuse during visits to her home, with the assaults occurring in her parents’ living room while her mother was present in the house.
The court heard that Maher’s misconduct began in 1968, when he was 25 years old, and continued for approximately four years until the girl reached the age of 15. The offences included molestation in her parents’ bedroom, where Maher would lie on top of her and simulate sexual acts. Additionally, Maher took the girl to his parish house in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, where he kissed her and again engaged in inappropriate physical contact.
Legal proceedings revealed that Maher’s actions were particularly egregious, with the depute fiscal Morag McClintock describing how he molested the girl during visits to her family home. She explained that Maher’s conduct was not only physically invasive but also emotionally damaging, leaving lasting scars. The court was informed that increased publicity surrounding historic sexual abuse cases prompted the victim to finally contact Maher, which led to his email confession.
In his email, Maher expressed remorse, stating, “I am so sorry for the hurt and pain I caused you, and still do, and all the harm done to you and to your family and I beg your forgiveness.” The victim, now 62 years old, has been profoundly affected by her experiences. McClintock highlighted that she attributes her difficulties in forming relationships and her first marriage to the trauma inflicted during her childhood. She described her feelings of being prematurely thrust into adult life, which left her confused about her sexual and emotional development.
Judge Thomas Millar described Maher’s conduct as “abhorrent” and emphasized the seriousness of his actions. The court’s decision to sentence Maher to six months in prison reflects the gravity of his misconduct and the enduring impact on his victim. This case underscores the importance of addressing historic abuse allegations and providing justice for survivors who have endured decades of silence.
Father Michael Maher, aged 74 at the time of sentencing, was the priest serving at St Isidore’s in Biggar and St Mary Magdalene’s in Forth. His relationship with the victim’s family was close, as he was known to be a frequent visitor to their residence in Lanarkshire. The girl, who was only 12 years old at the time, was subjected to Maher’s abuse during visits to her home, with the assaults occurring in her parents’ living room while her mother was present in the house.
The court heard that Maher’s misconduct began in 1968, when he was 25 years old, and continued for approximately four years until the girl reached the age of 15. The offences included molestation in her parents’ bedroom, where Maher would lie on top of her and simulate sexual acts. Additionally, Maher took the girl to his parish house in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, where he kissed her and again engaged in inappropriate physical contact.
Legal proceedings revealed that Maher’s actions were particularly egregious, with the depute fiscal Morag McClintock describing how he molested the girl during visits to her family home. She explained that Maher’s conduct was not only physically invasive but also emotionally damaging, leaving lasting scars. The court was informed that increased publicity surrounding historic sexual abuse cases prompted the victim to finally contact Maher, which led to his email confession.
In his email, Maher expressed remorse, stating, “I am so sorry for the hurt and pain I caused you, and still do, and all the harm done to you and to your family and I beg your forgiveness.” The victim, now 62 years old, has been profoundly affected by her experiences. McClintock highlighted that she attributes her difficulties in forming relationships and her first marriage to the trauma inflicted during her childhood. She described her feelings of being prematurely thrust into adult life, which left her confused about her sexual and emotional development.
Judge Thomas Millar described Maher’s conduct as “abhorrent” and emphasized the seriousness of his actions. The court’s decision to sentence Maher to six months in prison reflects the gravity of his misconduct and the enduring impact on his victim. This case underscores the importance of addressing historic abuse allegations and providing justice for survivors who have endured decades of silence.