Former ITV This Morning weather presenter Fred Talbot guilty of sex offences against boys, including one in Inverness
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FORMER TV weather personality Fred Talbot has been found guilty of a string of sex offences against teenagers - including one on the Caledonian Canal in Inverness which left his victim "petrified".
Talbot, who became a household name on ITV's This Morning in the 80s and 90s for his weather forecasts from a floating map of Britain, carried out the offences between 1978 and 1981 while he was working as a Manchester teacher.
The victims were boys aged 15 to 17 at the time of the offences, which took place on school trips near Moffat and on the Caledonian Canal in Inverness.
He was found guilty today following a trial at Lanark Sheriff Court.
The case's senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Bryan Lee, has branded Talbot a "sexual predator who hid behind a mask of respectability".
The police officer added: "He used his position as a teacher to engineer situations which allowed him to isolate and target his victims. He took advantage of his position of trust to abuse young men in his care.
"Thanks to the bravery of his victims... we have been able to secure this conviction today.
"Our message to anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse is simple: we will listen and we will take action on all reports of child abuse regardless of where or when it occurred.
"Anyone reporting sexual abuse to Police Scotland can do so either directly or through one of our partners."
The NSPCC has also hailed the guilty verdicts for Talbot's "vile assaults".
A spokesman for the charity said: “Talbot may have thought that he had got away with the vile assaults he inflicted on children in his care but, thanks to the bravery of his victims, he has finally been brought to justice.
“Abuse ruins childhoods and its effects last into adulthood. We hope Talbot’s conviction for these crimes will help his victims overcome what happened to them.
“This case shows once again how important it is that those who have suffered abuse are able to come forward and see justice, no matter how much time has passed.”
Talbot was previously jailed for five years for the indecent assault of a couple of 14-year-old boys.
Adults who have suffered non-recent abuse can seek advice and support via the NSPCC helpline in confidence 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk
