Former priest jailed for 'devastating' sex attacks on boys

A former priest who sexually assaulted two young boys has been jailed for nine years.

Vincent Cassidy, 84, was found guilty by a jury of attacks on two children in the 1970s. Some incidents took place at churches in Renfrewshire and Greenock.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that Cassidy also preyed on his victims, one aged 16 and the other eight, at a Paisley primary school and a caravan.

Judge Sheena Fraser told Cassidy his behaviour was an "outrageous breach of trust". He was put on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

During sentencing, she said Cassidy's crimes today "would be classified as rape."

The judge said: "Each boy would look up to their priest and do what they said. You took advantage of their trust.

"The victim impact statements show the devastating long lasting impact of your behaviour. Their bravery has to be commended."

Cassidy had been extradited from Australia and brought back to face the allegations and stood trial in March this year.

The trial heard Cassidy indecently assaulted a 16-year-old boy on various occasions between 21 July 1973 and 31 December 1974 at St Laurence's Church on Kilmacolm Road in Greenock.

The teenager, who is now deceased, was repeatedly touched and rubbed on his thigh as well as touched in an intimate area.

Cassidy also exposed him and performed a sex act on himself as well as the boy.

The former priest was also unanimously found guilty of lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices and behaviour.

The incidents took place on various occasions between 1 January 1974 and 31 July 1977, at Eastwood Swimming Pool, Irvine Beach, and St Fergus Primary School and St Fergus' Church - both in Paisley.

Cassidy pulled down his and the child's lower clothing, forced him to sit on his knee, exposed the boy and touched him intimately.

He also showered in the boy's presence and made the boy touch him.

On another occasion at a caravan in Lossiemouth in Moray, Cassidy indecently assaulted the same young boy.

He lay beside him, touched his body, and performed a sex act on him.

Defence solicitor, Tony Lenehan KC, told the sentencing that his client continues to profess his innocence.

Cassidy served for five years in St Laurence's Church in Greenock before being transferred to St Fergus' Church in Paisley at the end of 1974.

Judge Fraser added: "The nature and circumstances are such that there is no other method of dealing with you other than a significant custodial sentence.

"I have considered the harm inflicted on your victims which has been significant and long lasting."

In response to the conviction, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Paisley said: "The offences committed by Vincent Cassidy in the early 1970's, before he moved to Australia and left the Priesthood in the late 1970's, were a most horrific abuse of trust.

"The Diocese of Paisley was made aware of the allegations against him around 40 years later in 2018, at which time the matter was referred to the Police for investigation. His arrest, trial, conviction and sentencing are the culmination of that investigation.

"It is a matter of great sadness that anyone should abuse their position of trust to carry out abuse. The Diocese of Paisley will continue to provide the necessary support to those affected, while hoping that the sentence passed, will reassure those who were harmed, that justice has been delivered."

Det Insp Chris Driscoll called Cassidy a "callous predator who used his position of power to inflict harm on his young victims".

He added: "His offending is abhorrent. I would like to commend those involved in the investigation for speaking to us.

"Had it not been for the strength of his victims, his crimes may have gone unpunished. I hope that knowing he is now in prison will offer them some sort of solace.

"This was a challenging investigation, and I would like to thank all of the officers involved, including colleagues in Australia."