A Glasgow clergyman has been found guilty of rape and child abuse.

51 year old Rev James Haram, of Dumbarton, was convicted of 19 charges of physical and sexual abuse against a woman and several children.

The crimes took place between 1997 and 2020 at addresses in Glasgow, Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire and in South Ayrshire.

Judge Tom Hughes at Glasgow High Court told Haram: "I think it is fair to say this has been a deeply distressing case for everyone involved.

"The jury has heard a different version of events from all the witnesses who gave evidence.

"It appears that (what happened) was truly awful - incidents of violence, aggression, all sorts of difficulties and the sexual offending which took place.

"During that period, you appeared to be living a life whereby you were acting in an official capacity as a man of the cloth.

"You have now been convicted of extremely serious offences which will obviously carry a lengthy custodial sentence."

Haram, who is reported to have been clutching a bible as he was led to the cells, will be sentenced next month. 

A statement on the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) website states that 'Mr Haram was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) denomination. However, in light of various allegations made against him, Mr Haram was suspended from the ministry in June 2021. At the request of the Southern Presbytery, he resigned as minister of the Shettleston congregation in July 2022. Mr Haram has not attended services in the FreeChurch of Scotland (Continuing) since then...

'We wish to reiterate, without any qualification, our firm stance against any form of abuse. The Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) is committed to being a safe and supportive community for all its members.

'We wish to express our deep sympathy for all the victims in this case who have found themselves grievously hurt and broken as a result of these sad events.'