Sick Scots scout master, 83, who raped young boys dies behind bars

Sick Scots scout master, 83, who raped young boys dies behind bars

An 83-year-old scout master from Scotland, William Quigg, has passed away in custody at HMP Dumfries on November 11. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) confirmed his death. Quigg, originally from Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, was convicted in 2019 for raping and abusing young boys when they were just 12 and 13 years old. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, where it was revealed that he had abused the children over 30 years ago.

During the trial, one of the victims, now 48 years old, bravely shared his harrowing experience of being raped by Quigg in a shower room. The victim described Quigg as a “voracious predatory paedophile” who had made his life a living hell. Another victim testified that Quigg had abused him repeatedly after he complained of constipation, forcing himself on the young boy. Despite Quigg’s denials, the jury convicted him of all the charges of abuse.

Quigg, who was once a Scout Commissioner, used his position of authority to silence his victims by threatening them with false accusations. He had access to numerous children during his time as a scout master in west Scotland. Judge Lord Burns, during the sentencing, condemned Quigg for robbing the boys of their childhood and exploiting them for his own gratification. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be conducted to investigate Quigg’s death in custody.

A spokesperson for SPS expressed condolences, stating that every death in custody is a tragedy. The matter has been reported to the appropriate authorities, and a thorough inquiry will be conducted. Quigg’s heinous crimes have left a lasting impact on his victims, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children and holding perpetrators of child abuse accountable.

Insights:
The tragic death of William Quigg, a convicted child abuser, behind bars raises significant concerns about the protection of vulnerable individuals and the accountability of those in positions of authority. The survivors of Quigg’s abuse have shown immense courage in coming forward to seek justice, shedding light on the lasting trauma caused by such horrific crimes. Authorities must continue to prioritise safeguarding measures and support for victims of abuse to prevent similar tragedies in the future.