Child sex abuse ring ran in drugs den ‘by witches and wizards’, court hears

A child sex abuse ring operated in a drugs den surrounded “by witches and wizards”, a court has heard.

Three children were said to have been victims of a litany of sex crimes including rape and sexual abuse in a drug den where heroin and crack cocaine were used.

In her closing speech for the Crown, advocate depute Cath Harper told the High Court in Glasgow the children were allegedly subjected to “group rapes” by 11 accused, some of whom also face charges of attempted murder.

The older children were alleged to have been forced to abuse a younger child.

It is also alleged dogs were tortured, although Ms Harper said there was “no forensic evidence of these events happening”.

A child alleged a polythene bag was put over her head while another child was allegedly put inside a microwave, Ms Harper said.

Iain Owens, 45; Elaine Lannery, 39; Lesley Williams, 41; Paul Brannan, 41; Marianne Gallagher, 38; Scott Forbes, 50; Barry Watson, 47; Mark Carr, 49; Richard Gachagan, 45; Leona Laing, 50; and John Clark, 46, deny the charges.

Ms Harper said: “The physical risks of exposure to cocaine include stomach aches, heart rate, fits, unsteadiness, reduction in consciousness.

“Heroin makes you feel nauseous, depresses respiratory system.

“Exposure of drugs and polythene bags is charge 2 ‘danger to life’.”

Two children alleged another child was put in “enclosed spaces” while drugs were consumed, Ms Harper told the jury.

She continued: “They saw her being put into various places including cupboards and a microwave.”

She said: “There is a lack of communication which makes it highly unlikely they concocted the allegations”, adding it would be “off the scale devious, deceitful and highly organised”.

Ms Harper told the jury one of the alleged child victims said said: “Two witches holded my legs down, it felt uncomfortable, all the witches and wizards were watching.”

DNA evidence of some of the accused was found in the house, Ms Harper said.

An allegation the 11 accused used an Ouija board or similar object to “call on spirits and demons” causing the child victims to “believe that they could see, hear and communicate with spirits and demons” and making them take part in “witchcraft” has been dropped.

The trial, before Lord Beckett, continues.