The force hopes that Jim Torbett’s teenage victim gets some ‘closure’ after the 75-year-old pervert was yesterday jailed for another three years for offences committed between 1967 and 1968.

Police Scotland has promised “we will listen” to child abuse victims following the conviction of Celtic Boys Club founder Jim Torbett.

The 75-year-old pervert was yesterday (April 25) jailed for offences he committed while he was a coach, between 1967 and 1968.

A High Court trial, in Inverness, found that Torbett used the football team “as an elaborate front for recruitment of your young victims” as Judge Andrew Cubie locked him up for another three years.

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The court heard how he had bought the 13-year-old victim – who never played for the team – items including a new uniform and boots.

Mr Cubie said: “You had assessed his vulnerability and It is reasonable to conclude the interest you showed in him was for your own selfish sexual gratification.”

Torbett stared at the jury as he was led away to resume his current six year jail sentence, looking close to tears. His earliest release date was May next year, but he now has to serve more time behind bars.

Police Scotland have welcomed the conviction and want victims to know they will be listened to.

Detective Inspector Jim McLauchlan, of the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “We hope this conviction brings some measure of closure to his victim.

“We are very aware of how difficult it can be to report being a victim of child abuse. It can take many years before people feel able to report.

“Our assurance to anyone who may have been a victim of child abuse is that when they are ready to report we will listen, we will investigate and we will take prompt action to ensure that no-one else is at risk of harm.‎

“We are all responsible for protecting Scotland’s children. It is up to all of us to recognise when a child may be at risk and to take steps to protect them and to prevent harm.

“It is also up to us to create an environment where people feel able to report being a victim of sexual crime without feeling shame.

“We would ask anyone who has concerns or information about any person who may pose a risk to children, or who may have abused a child, to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: “Torbett’s victim has shown great bravery in speaking out about how he suffered, and we hope the conviction of his abuser will bring some solace.

“Child sexual abuse can have a devastating and long-lasting effect on a person’s life, and we hope the victim in this case is receiving the support they need to move forward with their lives.

“It is so important that those who have experienced abuse as children are empowered to speak out and seek support, regardless of how many years have passed or who the abuser is.

“They can speak to a trained child protection specialist at the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk, while Childline is there for young people on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk.”

Source: GlasgowLive