OAP denies seven sex crimes charges

Young refutes abuse of four girls over four decades

A Wishaw man has appeared in court charged with historic sex crimes against four girls over four decades.

Robert Young appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday and denied seven charges against him.

The 70- year- old, of Langholm Crescent, is accused of using lewd and indecent practices between 1967 and 1970 towards a girl who was then aged between four and seven.

Young is also accused of using lewd behaviour on various occasions towards a girl, aged 10 or 11, between 1975 and 1977 by kissing the girl on the mouth and exposing his private parts.

The accused also allegedly forced the same girl to handle his private parts within a car near to Cambusnethan Priory in 1977.

The next two charges Young denied relate to allegedly calling a girl by telephone and making sexual remarks to her.

The alleged offences took place between June and July 1980 when the girl was 11 and from July to August 1980 when she was 12.

Another allegation made against Young is said to have taken place between June 1986 and June 1988.

It is alleged Young approached a girl, then aged between nine and 11, from behind, placed his hands on her body, lifted her up and handled her breasts over her clothing.

The final charge which was levelled against Young was that between February and March 1991 he contacted the same girl, then aged 15 years, by telephone and made sexual remarks towards her.

Young’s bail was continued and he will is due to return to court for a further hearing in the case on August 9.

Young’s trial is expected to begin at Hamilton Sheriff Court on August 21.

Accused of lewd behaviour by kissing the girl and exposing his private parts . . .