Man sentenced for sexual abuse, Bonnybridge

A 60-year-old man from Bonnybridge has been sentenced to 12 years in prison with a further four years on licence, at the High Court in Edinburgh, after being convicted of sexual abuse across a 41-year period against six people. He will also be subject to sex offender registration requirements. 

John Ballantyne carried out the indecent acts from 1977 until 2018, at addresses in Bonnybridge, Dennyloanhead and Moodiesburn, starting when one of the complainers was five years old.

Detective Sergeant David Brown from Larbert Police Station said: “We welcome the sentencing of John Ballantyne, who has shown himself to be a dangerous individual who has indiscriminately offended against females and males, both adults and children, over a number of decades. His offending has had a significant and lasting impact on the lives of his victims. Today’s sentencing ensures that he faces the consequences of his actions. 

"I would like to commend the men and women who came forward to report Ballantyne’s crimes, for their bravery and resilience throughout this process. I hope the conviction and sentencing can help them move forward with their lives.

"We treat all reports of abuse and sexual crimes seriously and sensitively, regardless of when they occurred. I would urge anyone who has been subject to this sort of behaviour to come forward to police feeling confident that we will investigate it thoroughly.

"Anyone who wants to report crime can contact Police Scotland on 101.”