Archibald Thorburn's 29-Year Abuse Uncovered | Edinburgh News

0:00It's September 11th. This is Edinburgh News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. A man named Archibald Thorburn, who is 77 years old, has been sentenced to prison for abusing children over a period of 29 years. The abuse, which included sexual assault and physical violence, took place in Edinburgh between 1963 and 1992. He targeted young people who were in his care, and the judge described his actions as cruel and wicked. The court heard evidence that Thorburn began his abuse in 1963, starting with a young boy who was just 6 years old. This child endured repeated beatings, was struck with objects, and even forced to run with concrete intends tied around his neck. The sexual assaults on this victim occurred over several years. Thorburn also inflicted physical abuse on other children. One girl had puppies hidden from her and was made to search for them. The young girl was subjected to extreme temperature bass as punishment and forced to stare at his photograph for hours, facing punishment if she looked away.

1:04Despite denying the charges, Thorburn was found guilty on 14 counts. The victims, now adults, share their experiences of unimaginable ordeals. The judge emphasized the incalculable, damaged Thorburn caused, robbing them of their childhoods. The sentencing hearing would determine the full length of Thorburn's imprisonment. The judge made it clear that such unforgivable behavior would result in a significant jail term, acknowledging that a reckoning was due for his actions.