Settlements agreed over claims of historical sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club

A seven-figure payout has been agreed for a lawsuit over claims of historical sexual abuse at Celtic Boys Club, a law firm has said.

Thompsons Solicitors is acting for about 30 former Celtic Boys Club players and said about 70% of the cases had been settled by Celtic Plc. The firm expects further settlements in the coming weeks.

The case relates to abuse at the youth club – which was not formally affiliated with Celtic FC – by the convicted paedophiles James Torbett and Frank Cairney.

Laura Connor, partner at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Our clients trusted us to fight for them on these difficult cases and ensure their voices were heard. This litigation has been made far more complex and lengthy by the defender, while our clients have acted with resolute dignity throughout.

“At long last they have achieved success and can take this compensation as confirmation that Celtic Boys Club was indeed inextricably linked to Celtic Football Club.”

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A judge had previously given the go-ahead for the group legal action at Scotland’s highest civil court, the court of session in Edinburgh. Lawyers acting for Celtic Plc had argued in court that the action should not be allowed to proceed, arguing the boys club was an entirely separate entity, but judge Lord Arthurson ruled the case could go ahead.

Celtic FC were contacted for comment and have previously said they are “appalled by any form of historic abuse”.

Group proceedings are similar to US class action-style actions and were brought into law in Scotland in 2020.

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