SHANE CURRAN AND NICOLA MCCALL SENTENCED FOR CHILD NEGLECT IN GLASGOW'S SOUTHSIDE AND MARYHILL

A man and woman responsible for the severe neglect and mistreatment of four young children in Glasgow have been sentenced to a combined total of two years in prison. Shane Curran, aged 47, and Nicola McCall, aged 44, were found guilty of subjecting the children to deplorable living conditions, including starvation and exposure to drugs, during a trial held at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

According to court proceedings, the children were living in a house described as a “dump,” located in Glasgow’s Southside. The residence was reportedly filled with rubbish and filth, creating an environment that was both unsafe and unhealthy. One of the children testified that she was compelled to steal money just to obtain food, highlighting the extreme neglect they endured. The court heard that the children were not only deprived of proper nourishment but also exposed to illegal substances, including amphetamine, which were openly present within the house.

During the trial, jurors learned that three of the young victims had suffered physical violence at the hands of Curran and McCall. One girl recounted being “rag-dolled” by McCall, describing a violent incident where she was thrown around and physically assaulted. The court also heard evidence of ongoing abuse, with some children being punched, kicked, pulled, and dragged by their hair. The volatile moods of both offenders, often influenced by drug use, contributed to the chaotic and dangerous environment in which the children were forced to live.

Pre-recorded testimonies from the children, played during the proceedings, painted a harrowing picture of their experiences. One girl described the house as “disgusting,” emphasizing that Curran and McCall showed little concern for cleanliness or their well-being. The court was told that there was “never any food in the cupboards,” leaving the children regularly deprived of basic sustenance. In fact, one girl revealed that she had to steal £100 to feed herself and the other children for approximately two days. The neglect extended beyond food, as some of the children suffered from severe head lice, further illustrating the neglectful conditions they endured.

It was also revealed that the offenders’ drug use significantly impacted their behavior. The court heard that their moods would shift when they took drugs, which often resulted in violent outbursts. One particularly disturbing incident involved McCall, who reportedly “rag-dolled” a girl, flinging her onto the ground and hitting her head against a door. The house contained illicit substances that were easily accessible to the children, creating a dangerous environment where drugs and neglect coexisted.

One of the girls was left unsupervised on a balcony at one point, underscoring the lack of proper care and supervision. Prosecutor Carrie Stevens described the situation as a “consistent failure” by Curran and McCall to keep the children “safe and comfortable” during the years between April 2010 and August 2016. She emphasized that the conditions in the house were “chaotic and sub-standard,” reflecting a blatant disregard for the children’s welfare.

Both Curran and McCall denied the charges, claiming that the victims were lying about the violence and neglect they suffered. Defense attorneys argued that the children are now in a better environment and that their clients felt remorse for their actions. Elaine Rae, representing Curran, stated that her client “accepts a degree of neglect” and is “disgusted with himself” for his role in the abuse. Neil Shand, defending McCall, expressed that she “genuinely doesn’t think she did not care about the children,” and acknowledged that she would suffer for her actions for the rest of her life.

Judge Stuart Reid sentenced Curran and McCall to 12 months each, citing the seriousness of the offenses and the need for custody as the only appropriate response. The judge remarked that the neglect and abuse inflicted upon the children were deeply troubling, and emphasized the importance of holding offenders accountable to protect vulnerable victims in the future.