Former priest dies at HMP Low Moss while serving sentence for sexual offences

A former priest who was jailed earlier this year for sexual offences committed in the 1970s has died in custody at HMP Low Moss.

Vincent Cassidy, 85, was convicted of two charges of indecent assault and one of lewd and libidinous practices following a trial at the High Court in Paisley in March.

He was jailed for nine years for the offences, which concerned two young males.

Cassidy abused the first victim, who was 16 years old at the time, at a church in Greenock.

The second, a boy aged between eight and 12, was abused at several locations, including a swimming pool, a beach and a caravan.

Sentencing Cassidy, Judge Sheena Fraser said his behaviour represented “an egregious breach of trust” and had a “devastating” impact on the victims.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) confirmed Cassidy died at the prison in Bishopbriggs on October 3.

An SPS spokesperson said: “Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.

“Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised, and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course.”