Disgraced ex-Celtic youth coach jail death to be probed by Sheriff

Ex-Celtic youth coach Jim McCafferty
-Credit: (Image: Alan Lewis- PhotopressBelfast.co.uk)


The prison death of an ex-Celtic youth coach who abused young players is to be investigated by a sheriff.

Disgraced James McCafferty, 76, who also worked at Falkirk and Hibs, died at HMP Glenochil on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

McCafferty was convicted at Edinburgh High Court in 2019 for a string of sex attacks on players stretching back to 1972.

He was jailed for six years and nine months.

During the trial, he admitted 10 charges of indecent assault and one of lewd and libidinous behaviour against boys aged as young as 11.

One of his victims was attacked at Celtic Park while others were assaulted at hotels, training grounds and in his car.

A fatal accident inquiry will be held at Falkirk Sheriff Court where the full circumstances of his death will be investigated.

A preliminary hearing has been fixed for 30 July at Falkirk Sheriff Court.