‘No one should be afraid of speaking out’

A PROMINENT children’s charity has issued a stark warning to monsters like Colin Robertson and insisted they can’t “hide” from prosecution.

Laurie Matthew, of Eighteen and Under, said the conviction shows that children should not be afraid to speak out – no matter how much time has passed.

Ms Matthew, who manages the charity which offers support for young people and children who have experienced any form of abuse or violence, said: “This clearly shows that no matter how much time passes, people who carry out these horrific crimes will be caught and will be brought to justice.

“This gives young people hope that these men will be caught and their crimes will be treated seriously.

“There is no place for these men to hide and their crimes will be dealt with appropriately.

“It also sends a real message to young people, or people who have been abused, that they will be believed.

“So often men who commit these horrific sexual crimes tell their victims that no one will believe them.

“They issue various threats and try to terrify the young person into reporting what has happened to them

“Young people must learn that they will be believed, no matter how long the passage of time.”

“It is never too late to report abuse of this nature and what has happened in this case shows that.

“Men who carry out this type of abuse will be caught and no one should be afraid of speaking out.”

The Boys’ Brigade was approached for comment but had not responded by the time of going to press.