TERENCE WEIR FROM OLD KILPATRICK FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN DUMBARTON COURT

In a harrowing case that has shaken the community of Old Kilpatrick, Terence Weir, aged 36, was convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse involving two young victims. The trial, held at Dumbarton Sheriff Court, revealed disturbing details of Weir’s actions, which spanned several years and locations, leaving a lasting impact on those affected.

It was during the trial that the brave victims, who had endured years of suffering in silence, finally took the stand to testify against Weir. The court heard how Weir, who is the brother of the adoptive father of one of the victims, initially lured a young girl, Dani Weir, into his bedroom under the guise of playing computer games. Once inside, he committed sexual assault, then instructed her to keep the abuse a secret. Dani, now 18, recounted her ordeal, revealing that the abuse began on Christmas Day in 1999 at Weir’s residence in Old Kilpatrick. Over the course of the following months, she was assaulted between 10 and 20 times.

Dani, who has chosen to waive her right to anonymity, described her feelings of confusion and innocence at the time, stating, “I was only young and didn’t really know that what he was doing was wrong.” She explained that she kept her pain bottled up, never telling anyone about the abuse until January of last year, when she finally confided in her mother, Laura. Her mother recalled the moment vividly, saying, “When Dani told me, I had to stay calm. I knew I had to be there for her. She was in tears, and we talked it through. I made sure she knew it was her decision whether to go to the police or not.”

Laura Weir admitted that she had suspicions about her brother’s inappropriate behavior, having caught him looking at Dani in a manner that made her uncomfortable. However, she never suspected that her daughter had been physically abused until the allegations surfaced. Reflecting on her daughter’s changing behavior, Laura noted that Dani had begun to dislike visiting family in Old Kilpatrick, which she now recognizes as a sign of distress. This week, Laura expressed her anger and disappointment, stating, “I hope he gets a custodial sentence. I am surprised he was bailed. Once he is sentenced, no matter what the sentence, we can get on with being survivors and not victims.”

The court also heard about Weir’s abuse of a second victim, which took place between January 2004 and December 2005 at two locations in Clydebank and one in England. The jury found Weir guilty of lewd and libidinous behavior towards both victims, with the court noting the severity and repeated nature of his offenses. The convictions include multiple counts of sexual assault and abuse, with the court describing the acts as deeply disturbing.

Following the verdict, Sheriff Simon Pender deferred sentencing to allow for the preparation of reports, including a risk assessment, and to determine appropriate measures moving forward. Weir, who resides on Dumbarton Road in Old Kilpatrick, was remanded on bail until sentencing scheduled for next month. The families of both victims were visibly emotional in court, breaking down as the guilty verdict was read, a testament to the profound impact of Weir’s actions on their lives.

This case has left the community of Old Kilpatrick in shock, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for victims of abuse. The court’s decision marks a significant step in seeking justice for those affected, and the community awaits the final sentencing, hoping for accountability and closure.