WILLIAM CASSALLS SHOCKS RUTHERGLEN WITH DECADES-LONG SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Rutherglen, an 80-year-old man named William Cassells has been convicted of a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse spanning over 14 years. The heinous acts involved three young sisters who, during their childhood and early adolescence, endured repeated assaults at the hands of Cassells, who was entrusted with their care at various times.

These offences took place between 1975 and 1989, with the victims residing in both Castlemilk and Rutherglen. The youngest of the sisters was only 10 years old when the abuse began, while the other two were 11 and 12 at the time. The victims, now in their 40s and 50s, bravely came forward to testify in court, recounting how they confided in their mother about the abuse, only to be met with disbelief. They described how Cassells, who often looked after them, would exploit his position of trust to carry out his disturbing acts.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Cassells denied any wrongdoing and chose not to give evidence during the trial. The victims' testimonies, however, proved compelling enough for the jury to find him guilty of the charges. The court heard that Cassells, who resides alone in Rutherglen with his wife currently in a care home, had no prior convictions before this case.

Following the verdict, prosecutor Rosemary Guinnane emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “The accused has no previous convictions. He is 80 and lives alone in Rutherglen. His wife is in a care home.” Judge Hughes addressed Cassells directly, condemning his actions and highlighting the betrayal of trust involved. “These offences took place over a period of time. You took advantage of young girls. These are very serious offences. It may be of some comfort to your victims that the jury accepted they were telling the truth,” he remarked.

William Cassells was remanded in custody pending sentencing scheduled for October 11 at the High Court in Edinburgh. Additionally, he was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register. The court also ordered a background report to be prepared on Cassells, who is considered a first-time offender, to inform the sentencing process when he next appears before the court.