James Torbett has been sent to prison for six years after he was convicted of abusing children at Celtic Boys club.
Its the second time he has been convicted.
He also received a prison sentence in 1998 for similar offences.
Those are the facts.
There is no excuse for what Torbett did, but it is he, and he alone who has been convicted.
His first spell with the club was from 1966 to 1974. According to hearsay, he was forced to leave the club after allegations were made about his behaviour.
It is not clear to whom these allegations were made, or who made them.
According to the BBC, he returned in “about 1978 “, and remained at the club until a Daily Record story in 1996 led to charges and his initial conviction.
There remain a lot of unanswered questions.
The first concern is the welfare of those who were abused.
Despite Celtic FC having no de jure link to Celtic BC, there was indisputably a de facto link.
Celtic FC must make provision to offer counselling and support, confidentially, to those affected.
The club must make that move, and make that their official response.
Then comes the argument about who knew what and when.
This is more difficult.
What is unacceptable is the way the press are linking names such as Jock Stein and Billy McNeill to Torbett. There are numerous examples today of images featuring all three.
These pictures imply that Celtic FC was fully aware of Torbetts activity. There are no allegations, merely implications.
However, Torbett was allowed back at the club despite being removed due to allegations of abuse.
Not convictions, allegations.
This is where Celtic FC made a massive error. They should have refused his re-admission, based on their previous suspicions.
What isn’t clear is if there was enough evidence available that would form the basis of a prosecution., or any victim prepared to be involved in a prosecution at that point.
Hindsight is absolutely useless in this instance, and what we know now cannot be used as evidence to form an opinion of those at the club at the time.
But there still remains that question, the question of why he was allowed back when he was suspected of abuse ?
This may be where his relationship with Celtic directors is cause for concern. Did they allow him to convince them the allegations were without foundation ?
At this point, no one was prepared to go to the police on behalf of the victims, and none of the victims were, not surprisingly, prepared to go to the police.
Sexual predators are notorious for their controlling influence on their victims. If we consider how long it took for his victims to come forward, and they must be praised for the courage that took, we perhaps get an idea of how much control he had.
Torbett would have had little difficulty in presenting his own defence to the directors, which is not to excuse them, but may explain how he was allowed back.
After all, all he had to ask was who these accusers were, safe in the knowledge that none of them would dare speak out.
If we place ourselves in the boardroom at the time, its fairly easy to see how he was readmitted, but still incredibly difficult to see why.
Those involved at the time must present their reasons, and clarify exactly what went on behind closed doors.
It would have been better to err on the side of caution. There is no excuse for his readmission, however credible Torbetts argument may have seemed.
The good name of Jock Stein has been dragged through the mud by this entire affair, and that will continue to be the case.
It appears he was made aware of allegations, and acted to remove Torbett from the club. This theory, which is all it is, gains credence when one considers Torbett returned to the club after Stein had left…although the times and dates are somewhat unclear.
What is now clear is that Celtic FC now have an in house academy, so lessons have been learnt.
Everything that can be done to prevent further opportunities for abusers has been done.
The perpetrator is now in jail, although its unclear what has happened to two others who were arrested and charged last year.
Investigations are going on nationwide into other similar allegations within the game, and it must be stressed that it is much easier, whilst still incredibly difficult, for victims to come forward today than it was thirty, forty or even fifty years ago.
By offering support, Celtic could help other victims at other clubs to come forward, to help build stronger cases against those who have been in a position to abuse children, not only in football, but in other organisations where children were placed under the supervision of those who didn;t perhaps have their best interests at heart.
Its still very difficult to form a case against those who have been accused, and if there are other predators still to be brought to account, then the victims must be encouraged to help serve justice.
At least then something good will emerge from this dark period on the clubs history.
We cannot change what has happened, but we can help those it happened to, not just at Celtic, but elsewhere.
There doesn’t appear to be a Celtic Boys Club any more, at least according to the web searches I’ve done.
In that sense, steps have been taken to prevent further abuse.
There are many other issues surrounding this matter, but first and foremost Celtic FC , the de facto partner of Celtic Boys club, must accept that they had a duty of care towards these children, and whilst they cannot be blamed for Torbetts actions, they must offer to help those affected.
The BBC deserve praise for the work they’ve done on this , no doubt they have learned from the experiences their organisation went through recently, with several high profile employees involved in similar abusive practices.
They have raised awareness about a serious and often hidden problem in society.
Celtic must also learn from this, and take things a step further and act in the best interests of the victims, because its the right thing to do.
It was right and brave of you to highlight this monstrous behaviour and I wholeheartedly agree with all that you say. Your heart goes out to all victims of abuse. These evil people live in the shadows of life, preying on the young, grooming and controlling, they need to be called out wherever they hide. But first to investigate how and why this could have happened and totally cleansed from the club, it goes against everything that the club stands for. Total support must be given to those victims in every way possible.
# Not in our name.
Ralph well argued, as many of us know the typical Catholic Church ( apologies to those who are not Catholic) response to bad news involving sexual abuse in the Church was to try and pretend it didn’t happen. It is a case study in how not to respond to this sort of issue. By pretending it had nothing to do with us Celtic leaves themselves open to the Club’s many enemies to say and do what they like. Celtic has been associated closely with Celtic Boys club since it was founded. Celtic could at least point out from or example how many young boys went through this experience with only positive feelings,what percentage were abused? More importantly who were involved in the decision to reintroduce Torbett, what did they know, why didn’t those with initial suspicions but presumably no evidence have a “ quiet” word? Pretending it has nothing to do with the club, adopting a head in the sand, will only magnify the issue for Celtic.I see the usual anti-Celtic comedians, like Gordon Smith, are seizing their opportunity, just when Caldwell got pelters for blaming the victim, numpty Smith says it is Lennon’s fault and managers should be banned for er …. breathing!
My only thoughts are with the victims, as for Torbett, throw a rope into his cell!
As for fans of other clubs who sing their songs about this abuse case, go and fuck yourselves!
Think of the victims, then shut the fuck up!
Great piece, well thought out and compassionate.
All media outlets are certainly painting Cesar and Jock as being complicit (which they are not).
Shameful but let’s not forget the real victims.
A thoughtful article and a reasoned suggestion for Celtic to adopt now as the long lasting damage that abuse causes is realised more and more as victims give testimony to it. I call it spirit or soul theft as the damage goes way beyond physical.
However the BBC report did show a number of images of Torbett with Celtic officials and the innuendo is that those in the images knew of Torbett’s activity.
That feeds the idea Celtic as a club were complicit as if everyone at Celtic and connected to Celtic knew, some of whom are no longer alive to state their case, and that is highly unlikely, but mud sticks.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-44613935
and the BBC imo were throwing it at Celtic legends in that report.
I believe the image of Torbett, Stein and McNeil was repeated by the Daily Record.
Also
” Hindsight is absolutely useless in this instance, and what we know now cannot be used as evidence to form an opinion of those at the club at the time.”
I think this point is also overlooked to a degree as current day thinking is not the thinking of the era 50 years ago where cover up was the norm.
None of this is an excuse for the behaviour of any in the know but in the interests of clemency it has to be given some recognition.
Auldheid,
Their insinuations wasn’t lost on me either, Celtic should be responding to this, Lawwell or Bankier need to deliver a volley to the bawz of these cunts!
Great article Ralph. The club must respond as Celtic BC was in effect a feeder club for many future pros who signed ‘S’ forms on their 16th birthday.
All thoughts are with those innocent people and their loved ones whose lives have been torn apart by that evil bastard Torbett.
Hindsight is a great gift but the facts are it is only in the last 20 to 25 years that sexual abuse of children has come out into the open. That was a different time and thank God everyone is very aware that it goes on throughout ALL aspects of society. As for the Celtic board at that time they would have found it hard to justify sacking this pervert as he would have redress to unjustifiable dismissal and more than likely to the courts for damages to his reputation because none of his victims were able to face this perpetrator.
not the case. that piece of shit was removed and seems to have been allowed back in. which is an awful thing to have happened.
god work had been done to remove him due to allegations but then someone let him back in.
there are a number of those who were in charge of the club at the time who are still alive. they are the only ones who can clear this but I doubt that they will. many of those involved are dead of course.
Excellent article Ralph. The victims must be the number one consideration. Attempts by other clubs and fans to exploit this had better look to themselves. Paedophile behaviour was widespread in football and society and it was probably prevalent in many big clubs. We can show our integrity by how we deal with this. The abuser is at least behind bars. Many other abusers including those at other football clubs and the BBC have probably still eluded capture. Celtic should do all it can do for the victims in the way of counselling and yes, compensation. It is a horribe crime, but not unique to any country or religion.
Great article.Having worked with young people for 22yrs. I think Celtic have now to lead the way in Scotland to put the abused people at the forefront of how we now recognize what they have gone through.An apology would be a start to this process.
Well put Ralph. As for that numbnut Smith on Radio Scotland equating his experience in front of Celtic fans to ‘his friend’ Neil Lennon’s it defies belief but then when the BBC employs the type of bankrupts that they do the moral high ground has already been conceded.
BJF
Don’t think you can say the Catholic Church ( and others) response was to pretend it didn’t happen. Many of those abused told their parents and some didn’t want to believe but a priest’s word, or higher, against theirs ? Plus the shame it would supposedly bring on their families as if it was somehow their fault. Much of the hierarchy knew what was going on and actually moved or put them on gardening leave only door them to continue their abuse somewhere else. The list at the end of the film “Spotlight” would make you greet. Even the PVG system in place just now for any adult working with children only shows the person has no past convictions.EVery predator has no past convictions until the first time.
SteveNaive,
Spot on!
See regarding the PVG scheme/Disclosure Scotland, many years ago i did some voluntary work with ‘ Capability Scotland ‘, obviously had to get disclosures done & stuff, but what struck me the most was how reasonably easy it was to be accepted & cleared to work in the sector.
As you say if it’s not on your record does that mean somebody is fine?
For me there needs to be a much harder process to go through other than checking your past record.
I enjoyed that work for the short time i did it, my main role was to assist the staff in getting the kids into the bus & into the facility they were using, then help get them back onto the bus & back to their residential base.
A good piece Ralph. Focusing on helping the victims and preventing it happening anywhere again is the right path here. The perpetrator has been caught and sentenced. The one question left to answer is why was he allowed back into the club after he had been expelled from the club? That can only be answered by those in power at the time.
Ralph, “Celtic must also learn from this, and take things a step further and act in the best interests of the victims, because its the right thing to do.”
A well-written article which is saddening (with sympathy for those poor victims) and sickening that this type of individual exists. And exists in large numbers it seems.
Like it or not, our club are implicated by association and MUST respond in an open manner with outrage that it has happened and with offers of genuine help for those poor victims; as you said Ralph, “because it’s the right thing to do.” Anyone using incidents of this nature to ‘throw mud’ are beneath contempt. Victims MUST feel that they can tell their story in the knowledge that they’ll receive compassion and proper help, REGARDLESS of whom the perpetrator(s) is/are. What a poisoned species ‘humanity’ can be. Just so sad.
I agree with the sentiments expressed here both in your excellent (and brave piece, most don’t want to touch this story) and in the comments section. How this monster was allowed back into a position of trust at Celtic Boys Club I cannot fathom, even the merest suggestion of wrongdoing should have made that impossible. My understanding of the situation of the situation has always been the story that when word of this reached big Jock he kicked Torbetts arse to the kerb. Whether this is true or not I don’t know but the fact remains that someone did! Now when he came slithering back surely the very fact that someone in a senior position at Celtic had seen fit to get rid of him should have been enough to counteract any sob story of his about how he was wrongly treated? Was no one from his first tenure contacted for information as part of a due diligence process? If not, why not? An allegation this serious warranted thorough investigation if he was to be re-employed. Who actually were his employers? I have always been told that Celtic BC were a separate entity from Celtic FC. From reading coverage of this in SMSM I can only conclude this must be the case as they would have been crowing it from the rooftops if it was otherwise. Obviously there was a de facto link but I think the current custodians of Celtic FC will be very wary of getting involved here. At the moment, apart from innuendo & smear from the Peepul, Celtic FC have not been held responsible for Torbetts actions. I would imagine that Celtic’s lawyers will be counselling against the very actions you propose to ensure that remains the case. I am, not for one minute, saying that this is the correct thing to do but I believe that Celtic legal team will hold that it is the only thing to do. I think they will argue to reach out with offers of counselling and compensation will open floodgates for firms of lawyers to start opening compensation claims against Celtic FC. Indeed, is that not one of the Ibrox horde’s fantasies which would bring about the demise of the club? So what I’m saying is that we are in very dangerous waters here and need to proceed with extreme caution. This is not to minimise, in any way, the suffering of these boys but in this cold, hard world we have to look at the bigger picture. While it would be honourable and magnanimous of the current club custodians to involve themselves in the recovery of survivors it may not be in the best interests of Celtic FC to do so. The environment in which our club operates is a hostile one, particularly so since we have become the dominant force in Scottish football. There are many who wish for our downfall; if they could have brought it about with this shameful episode they would have done so. This tells me that Celtic FC cannot legally be blamed for these happenings so it seems to me that to start offering victim support, laudable though it is, does crack open a door firmly bolted at present. Perhaps Celtic could offer support to existing child abuse charities (who, presumably would have been available to these victims) or perhaps they could propose to help support a Scottish football-wide abuse counselling and support service? Contained in either of these could be the apology about what happened at Celtic BC and express relief that current conditions in youth football are much safer.
Now don’t shoot the messenger here guys I do agree with Ralph’s piece but I think the hard-headed pragmatic view of Celtic FC board will be to protect the club and I think we have to be prepared for that and be careful what we say on social media.
Excellent post Christina. Very reasoned perspective. While everything should be done to help the victims and if any within Celtic were culpable or complicit they should be brought to justice your reasons for a carefully thought out approach make total sense. An apology or offer of compensation at this time would be tantamount to an admission of guilt which has not been proven. I myself cannot understand why an animal with these suspiscions hanging over him was ever allowed back into the club These animals are prevalent in all walks of life but it only seems to be Celtic and the Catholic church that its being used as a stick to beat them. Believe me if its proven that any within Celtic, and i mean anyone, turned a blind eye and allowed this creature to commit his crimes unchecked ill be the first to call for criminal procceedings against them.
Reading over more comments I can see that most are going down the route of Celtic apologising and offering assistance. I know in our mindiet of fair play that is what should happen and I know I may get people annoyed by suggesting otherwise but I truly doubt that Celtic FC lawyers would sanction this. There would be no control over how many potential claims could be made and we do not have unlimited funds. Furthermore, shameful though it is this would only be seen in some quarters as validation of their sickening stance and would only exacerbate that horrific situation of slurring the name of Celtic legends who would, themselves, have been horrified if they had known what was going on. This bastard Torbetts has done enough damage to our club and good name let us proceed with caution to ensure he does no more is all I’m saying
Christina,
I agree that the club will be getting advice re future liabilities. Sadly, this is the world that we live in today.
The problem is not confined to Scotland, nor to football.
In Canada there have been various scandals surrounding youth coaches and professional coaches in hockey. Several high profile stars have spoken out about their experiences, making it impossible for the clubs or the authorities to ignore.
If I was advising Celtic I would suggest that they study these situations in crafting a response. Saying nothing will only inflame the situation.
Unfortunately, one problem that the club faces is that the media is not impartial.
Steering a pathway through this will be difficult and support and donations to an existing charity may be a start..
This is the type of situation that really tests the PR function of an organisation, together with its values. Sadly, i fear that our PR is not up to the task.
Rebus
Agree on all points Rebus, especially the Celtic PR department not being up to this huge task! I don’t think Celtic can be silent here either (though I strongly suspect this will be the legal advice given) but they have a difficult path to walk here. If we were operating in a fair and equal environment then all that is advocated here would be possible but as I have said there are many who would wish our dominance would end (preferably in disgrace) so that is why I believe the legal advice will be that the potential risk to the club necessitates they stay silent – perhaps a donation to an abuse charity with some conciliatory statement. This is just what I think may happen – not what I think should happen but as I have said we need to look at the bigger picture here I fear!
Christina,
Where did you find the time to post on here, with all those chores to be done.
Now, could you fill my glass up with Redstripe, wench.
I’m a woman Monti – we can multi-task!! Would you like some snacks too??
Christina,
Have you bought the new Gerry Adams cook book?
Maybe you & Una could come up with a dish?
No Monti I don’t have Gerry’s cook book, maybe it will be in my Christmas stocking
Oh and don’t try to drag me into your spats with Una something tells me she would not be amused by your ‘kind’ suggestion!!
Christina,
Ok dear, just you cook for me then……
Sorry Ralph, but this scumbag didn’t act in a vacuum. I can only speak for myself, but as a Celtic fan I am disappointed in the club’s response to the whole Torbett affair, which seems to be that unless someone can give us incontrovertible evidence then we don’t want to know.
It seems obvious that this monster had friends in high places within Celtic who either shielded him or refused to believe any allegations levelled at him. It’s disingenuous to hide behind the argument that Celtic Boys had no official connection with the club, because they were welcome at Celtic Park and basked in their patronage without objection from the club. They were seen by the children who joined them as a conduit to Celtic FC and that was often how it panned out even if nothing was official.
It’s of no concern to me how others use this as a stick to beat Celtic. We don’t care what the animals say… What is important to me is that victims of child abuse get answers as to how they ended up living in a nightmare when they thought their dreams were coming true. There are questions that require answers. Not all of those who were around at the time are gone. I would feel great pride in my club if it elected to do the right thing and shine a spotlight on this whole sordid affair. Now all I feel is that if there was nothing to hide there would be a much more robust response from Celtic Park.
This is the tip of the iceberg. These monsters have survived by spreading their network through society and I have no doubt that every football club in the country has been infested with these vermin. Pull the thread at Celtic and eventually the whole thing will unravel. This would at least demonstrate that it’s not exclusively a Celtic problem but applies to all clubs.
Good stuff Ralph Celtic need to respond and help the victims. It hasnt only happened at Celtic and many clubs have been affected by scumbag like Torbett. The right thing to do is meet it head on and help provide closure to the young boys who suffered at the hands of this bastard.
Celtic at that time was a clique it was who you knew not what you knew that mattered.
The boys club was a different entity but it carried our name and so acted in our name.
Shame on those who have dragged our name through the mud. Rot in hell ya scummy bastards.
Post gone missing! Frankly, this feature plus the resource limit issue is killing this blog, as far as I am concerned.
Pity, because that was possibly your best article yet, Ralph.
Rebus
Is Kevin Kelly or Jack McGinn, Honorary Life President?
I know it’s not mentioned these days but I seem to recall this was part of the deal to get the Kellys and Whites out.
If so, then the club should ask them to account for their (in)actions.
If they don’t or can’t or plead ignorance then they should be removed, as they had a duty of care and failed miserably.
With regard to issuing an apology, recently there was total disgust when Rangers refused to take responsibility for one of their club’s victims, as they were a new club/company with no responsibility for the old one.
It seems that unanimity of moral outrage disappears like snaw aff a dyke when it’s uncomfortably closer to home.
Stevennaive you missed the pint or maybe I wasn’t clear enough, 40 years in social work plus currently being responsible for Vulnerable persons in my Parish has me too close to this and I assume everybody comes from the same knowledge base. I was thinking of the Church hierarchy, including the Vatican,in the ignoring of the issue and parents and others who were confided in and couldn’t or wouldn’t believe, there are stories I could share but for various reasons can’t. The Celtic FC bit is a very very minor part of this whole tragedy, it is a pity Monti, as ever, is so silly talking about ropes and other supporters if he had just talked about caring for the victims but then if he was that sensible he wouldn’t be Monti would he!
BJF,
What’s silly about wanting a Paedophile to hang?
I’d do it for free!
CS,
Correct!
Agreed CS. Six years three square a day isn’t the punishment to fit the crimes. Probably segregation with other nonces. It’s a brave and poignant diary Ralph your writing skills are of a high calibre. Moreover it’s such a horrible subject it’ takes something special to put such a heartfelt and true rendition of events together Questions need to be asked and accountability from the former board needs to be forthcoming. But more importantly, the lives that have been blighted by this mans evil must have be looked after by the club. Liberties were taken under our brand so the fullest support must be given to those affected
Soiciopaths like Torbett know how to manipulate people into putting them where they want to be, amongst the most vulnerable..children dreaming of becoming professional footballers, not broken people.
Steve sure you would never miss a pint or a point!
BJF,
I got your point. Have spoken to people in my own parish who have used the scandal as an excuse for not attending. I don’t know what if anything happened in their own lives or that their faith has been shaken that much but bad things happen. I think another diary pointed out the minute fraction of wrong uns compared to the overall clergy. Unfotunately, that percentage and the attempted fudge and cover up when exposed, undermines everything good that is done by thousands. The Vatican eventually apologised, The Eire government eventually apologised but words are easy. We still have to get to the truth of the Heath Government and there could be a protection on this that would be up in a few years. The whole SFA was implicated two years ago and found that their protection process was unfit for purpose. If it was more widespread at Celtic BC surely Alan Brazil and others will say so in time if not now. Too late for him and others though.
Steven denial is a strong emotion. Such crimes are difficult to reprimand, too much focus on rehabilitation by liberal minded people and not enough on the effects on the victims who never asked for abuse. There’s an element of shame by those affected . Predators and the church rely on victims not coming forward so they can get on with their agendas. Sadly the platforms that are put in place now to fuck these bastards up weren’t in place when the perpetrators were given Carrera Blanche to do what they liked. It’s a sad aspect of humanity people want to forget about to get on with their lives
What a privilege it is to train elite kids or any kids wanting to have fun playing the best game on the planet. Going forward more stringent screening needs to be legislated for so it minimises any more abuse
Not sure in this but Scots Law of Corroberation may have made it more difficult to nail these people up here.
Just a thought, when the huns say ” Big Jock knew “, are they referring to Jock Wallace?
Harry Dunn
Gordon Neely.
Abuse is abuse but it’s only right that ALL cases are raised & not just at Celtic.
My own personal thoughts on this is that Celtic must respond in a significant manner to this, don’t shy away from it & publicly deal with it!
The victims must be compensated!
We may be a long way from that, but let’s get the ball rolling!
CS,
It may appear as whataboutary but it’s not, i’m merely underlining other cases, it’s right to do so.
Also nothing i have posted could remotely be deemed as not thinking of the victims.
How does Celtic’s run of 23 goals in 5 domestic games compare to teams of yore? If you love your Celtic nostalgia and history read on. With huge props to @TheCelticWiki
http://celticbynumberscom.ipage.com/5-star-celtic/
Good article by the way.
Yes the point is pretending it isn’t there won’t help, dare I say I agree with Monti ( although calling for a judicial sentence that doesn’t exist is silly and if it did probably Downey and a few others would be hung too) on that and that it is not purely a Celtic thing as he said though I suspect that it will be used to hide Neil Lennon’s brilliant expose on sectarianism. If we didn’t know before then when Gordon Smith ( I was abused on sectarian grounds by Celts so presumably sectarianism is ok), trotted out his stupidity we knew cover up,what an idiot.
Well-thought-out Ralph.Thank you.
My thoughts are with the Victims,their Families and Friends.
PAEDOPHILIA IS A SILENT SINISTER PANDEMIC,WORLDWIDE.
I read this piece and was hoping to say something about it, but I struggle to get past the rage and fury I feel.
Obviously my fury is at these pedophiles.
Slept on this stuff last night & i find myself angry with this abuse & how Celtic have handled this situation.
I want Celtic to say something about this, in fact i want us to say a fucking lot about it!
When they have finished talking, Celtic should be inviting EVERY victim of this cunt torbett & do whatever it takes to give these people peace of mind & to ensure the victims can lead as normal a life as possible.
Let’s not sweep this away but embrace it, embrace the victims & acknowledge them & their suffering!
Come on Celtic, take a lead on this & be impressive in doing so.
I expect a lot of Celtic, it’s time to deliver on this!
Also think everyone should refrain from backbiting just this once on this particular diary it’s totally inappropriate. It should be about candid discussion. We can tear each other apart in future diaries when it’s about the football. Not now who knows who’s looking in, anyway we should pull our heads in. The subject is abuse and we are on the same page. No need for attacking each other
BJF Started it……