Child abuse survivor's relief as attacker jailed

A survivor of a 6 year long campaign of child sex abuse is telling Clyde News it feels "amazing" to see the perpetrator finally jailed.

William Smith who is now 66, has been locked up for 2 years at Falkirk Sheriff Court after being found guilty of repeatedly abusing two youngsters he was supposed to be baby sitting at his home in Grangemouth.

Now almost 2 decades on from when it began in 2001, one of the victims says he's relieved he finally spoke out and and saw it through to trial.

He's been speaking to Clyde News about the impact it's had on him...

"He’s had a hold on me for all of my life, and now I’m in control of him, I’ve had the last word.

I am sitting here writing in tears, justice has been done and I cannot bring myself to think about William Smith ever again.

He shattered my childhood dreams - he knew what he was doing and there is not a day goes by when I don’t think about it.

His actions have had a profound impact on my life.

I have grown up with a fundamental lack of trust. I have become depressed and in need of medication. I rely on this to survive.

"I suffer anxiety attacks and vivid flashbacks of my time with this vile man. I am, at times, inexplicably moody and angry.

"I am ashamed to say that, on occasions, I have turned to abusing alcohol and other stimulants to blot out the misery of my past - I’m not proud of that, it’s not brave or clever.

"I have attempted suicide on three occasions - my poor mental health is down to the actions of William Smith. He did this to me, he knew exactly he was doing - he enjoyed it.

"It is no surprise that I cannot hold down a loving relationship. Even after counselling sessions, every time I take two steps forward, I will be reminded of his actions and feel like I am taking three steps back.

"I have no doubt he pled not guilty during this trial to enjoy one final power play on myself and the other victim.

"The power is now in my hands.

"The trial made me feel like it happened yesterday and being called a “liar” by his defence lawyer was the ultimate humiliation.

"But he underestimated my mental strength.

"As I gave evidence in court last month, everyone, including myself realised that I am strong. I won’t be bullied anymore.

"I was overwhelmed with relief when the jury found him guilty.

"People listened to me, they believed me and it felt like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I cried outside court.

"Hopefully, the verdict will empower me to get on with my life. But I am emotionally scarred and he must pay for his actions.

"The court didn’t listen to the clever words of his defence lawyer. Even in poor health, he deserves no sympathy.

"He caused my suffering. He ruined my childhood and took away my innocence - he led me to want to take my own life.

"Rightly, this horrible man’s had his liberty taken away.

"Thank you for taking the time to read this - I’d urge anyone who’s been a victim of sexual abuse or rape to come forward and contact police, don’t worry about what people might think. It’ll only make you stronger."