Seven members of a child abuse ring have been sentenced to lifelong restriction orders, facing the possibility of never seeing freedom again. This group, consisting of two women and five men, was convicted of gang raping a child and subjecting other minors to abuse at a Glasgow drugs den.

The defendants, Iain Owens (46), Elaine Lannery (40), Lesley Williams (43), Paul Brannan (42), Scott Forbes (51), Barry Watson (48), and John Clark (48), were convicted in November 2023 following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. The trial revealed that Owens, Lannery, Brannan, and Williams were also found guilty of attempting to murder a child, including forcing her into a microwave.

The sentencing followed a 14-month postponement for risk assessments due to the extreme nature of the offences, which took place between 2012 and 2019. Judge Lord Beckett described the systematic child abuse as "harrowing" and noted that it "plunges to the depths of human depravity."

All seven defendants faced charges related to gang raping a child and were given orders for lifelong restriction. Lord Beckett warned them: “What you and the community must understand is you may never be released.”

The lifelong restriction orders require monitoring of these high-risk offenders for the rest of their lives, contingent upon being deemed suitable for release after serving a minimum sentence.

Judge Beckett declared that the crimes were "about as serious as it’s possible to be" and commended a married couple who rescued the children from the depths of their earlier lives. He emphasized the gravity of the charges, including repeated sexual offences against very young children, and referred to the acts as “life endangering and, in some cases, murderous assaults.”

He further highlighted the enduring impact of the abuse on the victims, stating, "You have inflicted extreme damage on their relationships." Lord Beckett acknowledged the courage of the victims, particularly praising their strength in providing victim impact statements.

As the offenders were led to their cells, Clark protested by claiming "There’s nae evidence at all," while Owens clapped. Owens was sentenced to 20 years, and Lannery to 17 years for their roles in the abuse, which included multiple counts of assault, sexual assault, and drugging a child.

Lord Beckett condemned Owens' actions, calling them the worst example of extreme child abuse, and remarked on Lannery's complicity in arranging and assisting the abuse. Williams received a 14-year sentence for her involvement in attempted murder, assault, and drug supply.

Brannan was sentenced to 15 years, while Watson received nine years and six months, and Clark ten years for their various sexual offences. Forbes, who filmed the abuse, received an eight-year sentence.

During the trial, an allegation regarding the use of a Ouija board in acts of witchcraft was dropped by prosecutors.

Detective Inspector Lesley-Ann McGee from Police Scotland expressed hope that the outcome would aid the victims in moving forward. She acknowledged the complex nature of the investigation and thanked the collaborative efforts of various partners to support the victims.

Katrina Parkes, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences in Scotland, commended the bravery of the young victims, stating their strength led to the conviction of their abusers.