A former priest who committed what a judge described as “horrendous sexual crimes” against two young boys has been jailed for nine years.
Vincent Cassidy, 84, was found guilty by a jury of historic indecent sexual assaults on two children in the 1970s.
Some of the incidents took place at churches in Paisley, Renfrewshire and Greenock, Inverclyde. Cassidy also abused his victims at a Paisley primary school and a caravan in Lossiemouth, Moray.
At sentencing, Judge Sheena Fraser said the crimes “would be classified as rape” if committed today.
Following the conviction, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Paisley said it is “a matter of great sadness that anyone should abuse their position of trust to carry out abuse”.
Cassidy had been extradited from Australia and brought back to face the allegations and stood trial in March this year.
He appeared in custody before Judge Sheena Fraser for sentencing.
The judge said: “Your behaviour towards these young boys was an outrageous breach of trust.
“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.
“I did not have a statement from your first victim who passed away but he bravely came forward to tell the police what you did to him.
“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.”
Cassidy was also placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
Cassidy indecently assaulted a 16-year-old boy on various occasions between 21st July 1973 and 31st December 1974 at St Laurence’s Church on Kilmacolm Road.
The teenager is now deceased. Details of the abuse were read to the court.
Tony Lenehan KC, defending, told the sentencing that his client continues to profess his innocence.
The advocate added: “There is nothing I can say about the circumstances with that backdrop.
“You will proceed on the evidence on the verdicts unanimously delivered and my client understands that it must be imprisonment.
“It is too serious to contemplate anything other than that.”
Cassidy served for five years at St Laurence’s Church in Greenock before being transferred to St Fergus’ Church in Paisley at the end of 1974.
In response to the conviction, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Paisley said: “The offences were perpetrated whilst he was in ministry in Paisley and Greenock in the early 1970s. He subsequently moved to Australia and left the priesthood in the late 1970s.
“The Diocese was made aware of allegations of sexual abuse around 40 years later in 2018, at which time the matter was referred to the police for investigation.
“The arrest, trial and conviction 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 always prioritising a culture of safeguarding in all its work.”