Mossblown man jailed after abuse confession

Mar 27 2009

A MORMON grandfather who sexually abused a 15-year-old girl has been jailed.

Sick James Broon admitted abusing the child in his home in Mossblown between October 1, 2007, and February 2, 2008.

Two representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ were in Ayr Sheriff Court to see the devout Christian sent to prison.

His defence lawyer, Matt Jackson, said: “It is as a consequence of his membership of that church that this matter has come to the light of the authorities. He faces church proceedings which he expects may result in him being excommunicated.

“He is in no doubt whatsoever that what he did was wrong and that he should have done better by the child.

“He is sorry for what he has done – not sorry for himself, but sorry for any harm he has caused.”

Broon was described as an “old fashioned” family man and reformed alcoholic who has been sober for 30 years.

A social enquiry report on Broon – who has angina, asthma and has suffered a number of strokes – said that the pervert was “a high risk” for sexual reoffending.

His abuse of the schoolgirl only came to light when the Mormon, haunted by his guilt, made a full confession to a senior member of his church.

Mr Jackson said: “But for that admission there would not have been a sufficiency of evidence against him.”

Jailing Broon for 15 months, Sheriff Carole Cunningham told him: “This is a very serious matter involving a gross breach of trust. In order to reflect the gravity of this offence, the only appropriate sentence is a custodial one.”

Broon was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.