Celtic Football Club facing legal action after Torbett abuse conviction
Legal action is being launched against Celtic Football Club after a former youth coach was found guilty of historic sexual abuse.
Last updated 9th Nov 2018
Legal action is been launched against Celtic Football Club after a former youth coach was found guilty of historic sexual abuse.
Ten victims are threatening to sue after James Torbett, the founder of Celtic Boys Club, was jailed for the second time on Monday.
He was sentenced to six years behind bars at the High Court in Glasgow for sexually assaulting three boys, two of which were youth players.
Speaking about the legal action solicitor Patrick McGuire said: “What was laid bare during the Torbett trial and his sentencing is this man was an evil and committed paedophile who operated as part of Celtic. He was part of the Celtic and any attempt by the club to say he wasn’t is preposterous. He abused young boys who’s only dream was to play for the club.”
Patrick continued: "What myself and my clients cannot fathom is why Celtic continue to ignore and dismiss the impact of these disgraceful crimes committed under their watch. The effect that Torbett’s actions have had on my clients cannot be described.
"I have sat with these men and listened to them recount what happened to them and how it ruined their lives. I can tell you it is absolutely heart breaking. It is all the more shocking when you think that this happened while they were supposed to be under the protection of one of Scotland’s most well known and loved institutions, Celtic Football Club.
“I want to appeal directly to the directors of the club. I want to say to them as those who promote themselves as a community football club with high ethical values how on earth can you allow this situation to continue.
"Children in your care who worshiped Celtic were horrifically abused and you still won’t accept responsibility. How can you square this with your conscience? Many of you are committed family men, how would you feel if this was a child from your family? Please meet with me and my clients now and let us get this situation sorted out. “
“This is an opportunity for Celtic to right the wrongs of the past and to lead the way in Scottish football where a club believes survivors and lives up to their responsibilities.” “I truly hope you do but if not then we will see you in court.”
Thompsons client and former Celtic Boys Club player Kenny Campbell who was abused by Torbett said: “What makes me so sad is the way Celtic have just ignored me and other survivors. I see they have an issued some sort of apology but it’s not enough.
"They need to accept responsibility for what was done in their name and settle these legal cases. There will be many other survivors out there who were abused at Celtic and I hope they come forward. The club has to face up to this and just do the right thing.
A spokesperson for Celtic Football Club said: "Following the conviction of Mr James Torbett at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Celtic Football Club wishes to express our deep regret that the incidents took place and sympathy for the victims who suffered abuse.
"We are grateful for the courage of those who have come forward to report abuse and to give evidence after such a long period of time. We have great respect for them and their families as they continue to cope with the distressing effects of the abuse they suffered.
Allegations regarding abuse at Celtic Boys’ Club first emerged in the 1990s. Although Celtic Football Club is an entirely separate organisation, we have always taken these allegations extremely seriously because of our historic contacts with Celtic Boys’ Club.
"All investigations by the police and other inquiries were given our full support. We encouraged any individuals involved to report all information to the police so that matters could be investigated fully. Celtic Football Club continues to encourage any victim of abuse to report these crimes to the police.
After the allegations became known in the 1990s, Celtic Football Club took steps to develop a new code of conduct and procedures to protect young people. Since then, Celtic Football Club has been at the leading edge of putting welfare and safeguarding protections in place for our young people.
"We were the first club in Scotland to appoint a safeguarding officer, developing policies for the protection of young people and monitoring and reviewing our procedures to ensure they continue to reflect best practice.
The abuse of children is an issue affecting many areas of society, including a large number of football clubs, sports clubs, youth organisations, educational institutions and religious bodies across Britain.
"Celtic Football Club strongly believes that children and young people involved in football have the right to protection from all forms of harm and abuse and is committed to ensuring this and to promoting their wellbeing through continued cooperation with our children and young people, parents and carers and the relevant authorities."