Former Social Worker Appeals

A former social worker who abused children in his care is appealing against his sentence. John Marshall was given a life sentence in November and told he would spend at least 12 years in jail. He admitted abusing 16 kids while he was a house parent in Glasgow care homes in the 70s.

Marshall has now lodged an appeal against the length of his sentence. Victim Alex Melrose, who campaigned for Marshall to be brought to justice, was devastated by the news. He said: “I thought it was all over and I could go into the new year thinking it would be a new start.

“Instead of accepting his sordid past had caught up with him, he is appealing. He should die behind bars. He is 61 and if he gets less than 12 years he could be freed and strike again. He admitted to social workers he was a paedophile and still harboured feelings for children. Even the judge at the High Court in Glasgow said he was predatory.”

Alex was told Marshall, who admitted 14 charges of lewd and libidinous conduct, could apply for bail early this year, pending the appeal. He said: “That frightens me. It is the kids on the street I worry for.”