William Hay convicted of non-recent child abuse offences

A man responsible for sexually abusing children over a 35-year period has been convicted today (Wednesday, 14 April).

Following a trial at the Glasgow High Court, William Hay, aged 72, was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault and lewd behaviour.

Hay sexually abused 10 boys in the Aberdeen area between 1981 and 2016. All of the victims knew Hay from local school football training and sea cadet training. The victims were aged between 10 and 15-years-old.

Detective Chief Inspector Steven Bertram, of the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: "William Hay is a sexual predator who abused young boys he befriended either through football or the sea cadets. He betrayed their friendship and their trust.

"The bravery shown by the victims in coming forward to report these crimes has to be commended and this has been instrumental in securing his conviction. I hope this conviction will offer some comfort as they move forward from their ordeal.

"Police Scotland is committed to the protection of children and to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice. We treat all reports of sexual crime – no matter when the offence happened – with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity.

"We would urge anyone who wishes to report any child protection concerns or sexual crime to contact us on 101 so we can conduct a thorough investigation."