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Former teacher jailed over abuse Former teacher jailed over abuse
(10 minutes later)
A former teacher convicted of sexually abusing children in his care at youth camps has been jailed for 12 years at the High Court in Edinburgh.A former teacher convicted of sexually abusing children in his care at youth camps has been jailed for 12 years at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Colin Macdonald, 61, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was found guilty in August of 10 charges of abusing children from the deaf community.Colin Macdonald, 61, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was found guilty in August of 10 charges of abusing children from the deaf community.
The offences took place in the Highlands and Islands and Glasgow between 1973 and 1983.The offences took place in the Highlands and Islands and Glasgow between 1973 and 1983.
Some of Macdonald's victims cheered as his sentence was read out.Some of Macdonald's victims cheered as his sentence was read out.
The judge, Lord Malcolm, told Macdonald he had refused to take full responsibility for the assaults and had even tried to blame the boys. Several of them, who waived their right to anonymity, welcomed the sentence.
George Drinnan, 45, from London, said through a sign language expert: "I am very, very happy. He deserved it. I hope he dies in prison."
James Colhoun, 48, from Glasgow, said: "I expected seven or eight years - to hear 12 years was fantastic. We have suffered and we are still suffering. It will be in our minds forever." You sexually abused and assaulted vulnerable deaf children who were entrusted to your care while on expeditions in isolated places far from their homes Lord Malcolm Joseph McIntyre, 46, from Balloch, in West Dunbartonshire, said: "I feel really good, ecstatic. I hope he goes to Hell."
During his trial, the jury heard how Macdonald was a trusted instructor whose skills in mountaineering and outdoor activities placed him in demand at youth camps.During his trial, the jury heard how Macdonald was a trusted instructor whose skills in mountaineering and outdoor activities placed him in demand at youth camps.
Admitted abuse
But he carried out attacks on boys in his care at various locations including Glasgow, Glendoll, Sutherland, Mallaig, Glencoe, Aviemore and the isles of Rum and Harris.But he carried out attacks on boys in his care at various locations including Glasgow, Glendoll, Sutherland, Mallaig, Glencoe, Aviemore and the isles of Rum and Harris.
His youngest victim was just 10 and the oldest 15.His youngest victim was just 10 and the oldest 15.
Macdonald, who is originally from Glasgow, was finally caught after two of his victims exchanged text messages decades later and went to the police.Macdonald, who is originally from Glasgow, was finally caught after two of his victims exchanged text messages decades later and went to the police.
He later admitted the abuse while being questioned by Northern Constabulary at Wakefield where he fled after the allegations emerged.He later admitted the abuse while being questioned by Northern Constabulary at Wakefield where he fled after the allegations emerged.
Macdonald, who is deaf and unable to speak, communicated through a sign language interpreter in court. 'Vulnerable children'
Sentencing Macdonald, the judge, Lord Malcolm, said his crimes were "premeditated".
"You sexually abused and assaulted vulnerable deaf children who were entrusted to your care while on expeditions in isolated places far from their homes," he said.
"Over several years you took advantage of their vulnerability and your power as their leader all for your own gratification. You had no regard to the damage being done to them .
"All of this was a planned, premeditated breach of the trust placed in you.
"It must have taken great courage for them to come forward and explain what you did."
Lord Malcolm told Macdonald, who is also deaf, through a sign language interpreter in court: "It is clear from reports you have refused to accept full responsibility for your disgraceful assaults upon them and even tried to blame some of your victims for your current position.
"There is no doubt in my mind that given the nature and gravity of your offences and the breach of trust towards vulnerable young people in your care I must take a very serious view of this matter."
He also placed Macdonald on the sex offenders' register and said he would refer him to Scottish ministers as a person unsuitable to work with children.