Sentencing delayed on Glasgow 'Beastie House' child sex ring once more

A JUDGE was told those involved in the 'Beastie House' child sex ring require a second opinion from risk assessors before being sentenced.

Iain Owens, 45, Elaine Lannery, 39, Lesley Williams, 42, Paul Brannan, 40, Scott Forbes, 50, Barry Watson and John Clark, both 47, were back in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow.

They are due to be sentenced having been convicted last November of horrific abuse in a case mainly involving three youngsters at a flat in the city known as the "Beastie House".

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A hearing on Friday was told that all seven have been risked assessed by social workers.

Their reports could lead to them being hit with a strict Order for Lifelong Restriction involving a jail term known as a "punishment part" that they must serve before parole.

Lawyers representing six of the seven asked for further time to instruct a second opinion from a risk assessor before sentence is passed.

Judge Lord Beckett said: "Reports have been arriving in stages over the last few months.

"It was predictable that they took a long time to prepare.

"The unprecedented scale of seven risk assessors being instructed for one case, regrettably, but predictably, created difficulty for those wanting a second opinion.

"At this stage, those in the process of obtaining a further report of their own have to make progress with that.

"I am encouraging all of you to take very positive steps to speed this process up.

"It is in the interests of the accused and the public interest that this is not prolonged.

"This is in the interests of other people closely involved in this case namely the witnesses in this trial.

"I encourage you to use the absolute best endeavours to progress whatever investigations as effectively as possible.

"It is very desirable at the next hearing in September, that the court will be in a position to know if there will need to be a hearing for a notice of objection and what the scope and court time will be."

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The Judge was earlier told that Clarke is the only person who did not require a second opinion by his defence counsel Iain McSporran KC.

Lord Beckett added: "It is unfortunate for someone in his position who would like to know his future sooner rather than later.

"Unless something extraordinary happens, everyone will be sentenced together which drags it on longer than we wish."

All seven had their remand in custody continued.

The Judge stated time already spent behind bars will be taken into account when sentencing.