Ex Lanarkshire Boys' Brigade officer cleared of sexually abusing teenagers

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A former Boys’ Brigade officer has been cleared of sexually abusing teenagers.One of the alleged victims confronted David Reid decades later and had their conversation secretly taped, hoping to get a confession.Reid, 72, of Bush Crescent, Wishaw, was accused of molesting one boy in the 1970s and one between 1980 and 1983.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android However, a jury returned not proven and not guilty verdicts after trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.The first alleged victim claimed Reid abused him at a BB camp before committing indecency against him at Reid’s home.The second said he was around 16 when he was abused at a flat in Wishaw.The court heard a recording made when the second alleged victim, now aged 57, and his wife confronted Reid in November 2020.During the conversation the man could be heard saying ‘By the way Davie, my life is ruined’.Reid admitted an incident had taken place in the flat but claimed his accuser was an adult at the time and they had both been drinking.He could be heard telling the other man ‘It was a one-off that should never have happened’.Reid also denied the man’s claim that he had touched him on the bottom during a BB camp.Giving evidence in court, the man said he had attempted suicide but had eventually decided to report the alleged abuse “because I was