Locations
Bonnybridge, Falkirk, FK4
Description
A man who sexually assaulted six people over a 41-year period has been jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Paedophile John Ballantyne, 60, carried out his evil attacks in victims in Bonnybridge, Dennyloanhead and Moodiesburn, between 1977 and 2018.
His youngest victim was just 5-years-old.
Ballantyne will spend 12 years behind bars with a further 4 years on licence and will also be subject to sex offender registration requirements.
Investigating officers have described him as a "dangerous individual".
Detective Sergeant David Brown from Larbert Police Station said: "We welcome the sentencing of John Ballantyne, who has shown himself to be a dangerous individual who has indiscriminately offended against females and males, both adults and children, over a number of decades.
"His offending has had a significant and lasting impact on the lives of his victims. Todays sentencing ensures that he faces the consequences of his actions.
"I would like to commend the men and women who came forward to report Ballantynes crimes, for their bravery and resilience throughout this process.
"I hope the conviction and sentencing can help them move forward with their lives.
"We treat all reports of abuse and sexual crimes seriously and sensitively, regardless of when they occurred.
"I would urge anyone who has been subject to this sort of behaviour to come forward to police feeling confident that we will investigate it thoroughly.
"Anyone who wants to report crime can contact Police Scotland on 101."