Former Celtic Boys Club coach to stand trial charged with historic sexual abuse

Former Celtic Boys Club coach and founder James Torbett is to stand trial charged with historic sexual abuse of six young boys.

The 70 year-old today faced the allegations during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Torbett faces a total of 12 charges spanning from January 1970 to August 1994.

The boys mentioned are said to have been aged between four and 14 when Torbett is first accused of abusing them.

A number of locations are listed on the indictment including Barrowfield Football Ground in Glasgow's London Road, where Celtic used to train.

Offences are said to have occurred at Torbett's home, dormitories in Belgium and France as well as training facilities in Glasgow's west end and Bristol, England.

Prosecutors also list “factory premises” known as The Trophy Centre in the city's Pollokshaws.

Torbett's QC Tony Graham today/yesterday pled not guilty on his behalf to the charges.

Judge Lady Stacey set a trial due to begin in June. The case could last up to 10 days.

Bail for Torbett was continued meantime