A pensioner who spent his life engaged in a “career of abuse” while operating as a Sea Cadet officer and football coach has been jailed for 12 years.
William Hay, 71, targeted his victims over a 35- year period between January 1981 and August 2016 at locations in Aberdeen and Perthshire.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard how he picked his victims – who were aged between 10 to 15 and cannot be named for legal reasons – through the Cadets and local school football teams.
He was only brought to justice after the boys managed to find the courage to speak to police and give evidence against him in court.
‘You are not fooling anybody’
On Tuesday, the court heard how Hay maintains he has fallen victim to a conspiracy.
However, judge Lord Sandison said: “You continue to maintain that your victims have conspired to malign you with elaborate and complex stories.
“However, you are not fooling anybody anymore.
“Your conduct shows how you put your own needs for sexual gratification before any sense of decency.
“I commend your victims in coming forward, giving evidence against you and bringing an end to what I can only describe as being your career of abuse… and which has resulted in you finally receiving your own just desserts.”
Hay, of Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, was convicted of a total of 12 sexual assault charges following a trial earlier this year at the High Court in Glasgow.
Previous trial
A previous trial against Hay was abandoned in 2019.
Jurors were told then that he had been a Sea Cadet officer and youth football coach.
Sentence had been deferred to Edinburgh for the courts to obtain reports about Hay’s background.
During his trial, jurors heard how the assaults took place at locations including a beach, a campsite, a sports complex and a golf club.
One recalled he had been “too ashamed” to reveal to his parents how he had suffered.
He said Hay had taken him on a visit to London as well as to watch high profile football matches. The abuse continued on those trips.
Prison only option for judge
On Wednesday, defence advocate Ronnie Renucci QC told Lord Sandison his client was in poor health and asked for him to take this into account when passing sentence.
Mr Renucci also said his client accepted that he would be sent to prison for the assaults.
Mr Renucci added: “He intends to make good use of his time in custody.”
Lord Sandison said jail was the only sentence available to him.
He said: “You continue to deny responsibility for your offending, which is your prerogative.
“I have also listened to what your counsel has said on your behalf.
“However, as a consequence of your position, I am unable to attach much importance to what has been presented to me.
“I will impose a sentence of custody in this case.”
