Former Boys Brigade leader jailed for abusing seven boys in his care
Craig Menzies, who was based in Glasgow, targeted seven victims at locations across Scotland between 1986 and 2004
Last updated 2nd Jul 2024
A former Boys Brigade leader and youth football coach based in Glasgow, who indecently and sexually abused seven boys in his care over nearly two decades, is behind bars.
Craig Menzies targeted his victims at various locations across Scotland between 1986 and 2004.
The 55-year-old targeted four of his victims while he was unit leader for the 118th Boys Brigade company based in Glasgow's King's Park parish.
This included at official and unofficial camping trips as well as a bus journey to Dundee.
Victims given alcohol and were asleep during assaults
Some of his victims - who were all aged between 10 and 15 - were given alcohol and were asleep when Menzies began to prey on them.
Menzies pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to charges of indecent assault, as well as lewd, indecent and libidinous practices.
Judge Tom Hughes imposed a 15 year extended sentence upon Menzies which includes 12 behind bars.
He said: "These offences took place over an extended period of time when you were given access to these children through various roles you had such as with the Boys Brigade.
"You seem to have been a sporting coach at some stage as well offering physiotherapy.
"During this time, you quite obviously were in a position of trust which you abused causing considerable problems to the victims.
"It goes without saying, that the court process would have been considerably difficult for them, coming forward to give statements and giving evidence for these matters which is always difficult.
"They did so, hoping that they would get some ability to put this behind them and ensure others will not be affected in the way they were.
Judge says abuse had long lasting impact on victims
"It is quite clear they were affected by this. Their personal lives, families and their abilities to have relations with other people.
"In some cases, careers were ruined and others were involved in offending as they can't come to terms with what you did to them.
"I have taken account of that and it's quite inevitable I have considered that a lengthy custodial sentence is acceptable in this case."
Menzies was also put on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
Tony Graham KC, defending, told the sentences that his client does not remember the offences taking places.
The advocate added: "He does accept that the boys gave evidence to the police and were telling the truth."