September 2015: Gerard O’Brien has now been relased

January 2014

Postal worker who abused two children over years is jailed

A paedophile who abused two young girls has been jailed for three and a half years.

Gerard O’Brien, 54, abused the children at two separate properties in Ibrox and Cardonald between September 1988 and June 2000.

His two victims, who were aged four and seven at the time of the offences – and cannot be named for legal reasons – told the jury how they suffered over the years at the hands of O’Brien.

Following a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, O’Brien was unanimously found guilty of two charges of using lewd and libidinous practices towards the girls.

Postal driver O’Brien abused his first victim on a number of occasions between September 1988 and September 1991 and his second between June 1993 and June 2000.

There were cries of “yes” from the victims’ families when the jury returned their guilty verdict after a trial in December. O’Brien shouted “liars” at them as he was remanded and led to the cells after the verdict.

Sentence was deferred until Monday for reports.

Sheriff Alan Mackenzie said: “The offences of which you were found guilty by the jury were carried out over a period of years towards children, children who should have expected your protection and not your exploitation.

“They were at a tender age. Their childhoods were blighted.”

The sheriff ordered O’Brien is supervised for six months after his release and he was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

The court heard that years after the incidents, in April 2011, the first victim and eldest girl reported him to the police and an investigation took place.

O’Brien denied the charges.

Defence counsel Owen Mullan told the court: “His position as far as the offences are concerned, he maintains that these did not happen.”