iStockA sex predator who insisted he was the victim of a conspiracy has been jailed for nine years.
Thomas Gibson preyed on five youngsters over a period of 35 years mainly at a property in Abington, South Lanarkshire.
The 69-year-old targeted two girls and three boys.
He was locked up at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.
Gibson had previously been convicted of nine charges including rape, indecent assault as well as lewd and libidinous behaviour.
Judge Andrew Cubie described what happened as “deliberate, calculated and predatory abuse”.
He told Gibson: “The victim impact statements demonstrate the powerful effect that your conduct has had.
“Your position is that nothing happened and that this was a conspiracy against you. This was rejected by the jury.”
Judge Cubie added Gibson had “avoided justice” for decades having “blighted the lives” of his victims until they bravely spoke up.
Gibson, also of Abington, will be supervised for a further two years on his release.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
