A former Celtic scout has been convicted for sexual offences against children in Renfrewshire.
78-year-old Kenneth Divers abused young boys while teaching and coaching football in Paisley between 1968 and 1992.
The pensioner and former Celtic scout was convicted today, June 21, at Paisley Sheriff Court and will serve five years in prison.
Police Scotland has praised his victims for coming forward as Detective Chief Inspector, Ross MacDonald says: "I welcome the sentencing and commend the strength of the victims for coming forward to reporting Divers of his despicable actions.
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"I hope this provides some form of comfort as they try to move forward, having had to live with this trauma for a significant number of years.
"I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and report it to police.
"Be assured we will fully investigate and you will be supported by police and our partner agencies.
"This case is an example that Police Scotland will work tirelessly to arrest perpetrators of sexual violence, no matter when committed, and we will pursue offenders no matter where they are in the world."
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children also urge victims of sexual abuse to speak up and seek help.
An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: “Divers abused his position of trust as a teacher and football coach to sexually abuse several boys, which has had a devastating and long-lasting impact on many of them.
“His victims have shown great courage in coming forward to speak about their experience and we hope they are getting all the support they need.
“Sexual abuse is never the fault of the victim and they don’t need to suffer in silence. It is never too late to tell someone and seek help.
“This case shows that no matter how long ago or who it was, child abusers such as Divers can be brought to justice.”
