Irthlingborough man jailed for 12 years for 'truly horrific' crimes against two boys

Iain Muir, previously of Irthlingborough but now of Castle Court, Lossiemouth, in Scotland, abused two boys between 1997 and 2002.

During this time, he physically assaulted them on a number of occasions, slapping them with wooden spoons, belts and shoes.

He also showed them pornographic videos on multiple occasions and repeatedly sexually assaulted them.

Several times, he asked them to pose for naked photographs which he would then sell online.

In 2019 both victims, now men, reported what had happened to them to Northamptonshire Police.

Muir was arrested and subsequently charged with a number of offences.

Following a seven-day trial at Northampton Crown Court which ended on June 16, he was found guilty of five counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16, four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and three counts of taking indecent photographs of a child.

He was sentenced at the same court on August 28 to 12 years in prison.

Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Stephen Wells said: “Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to both of the men in this case whose courage and determination throughout this investigation and court process has been nothing short of remarkable.

“What they endured as boys at the hands of Muir was truly horrific and the impact of that abuse has stayed with them for many years.

“They have been incredibly brave in coming forward to report what happened to them and in helping us secure this conviction.

“Reliving such traumatic experiences is never easy, but their strength and resilience have ensured that a dangerous offender has been brought to justice.

“Muir subjected these boys to years of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, causing untold harm and robbing them of the safety and security every child deserves.

“It was an awful ordeal for them to go through and I hope this sentence provides some sense of justice and allows them to continue moving forward with their lives.

“I also hope this case demonstrates that it is never too late to report abuse.

“We will listen, we will investigate thoroughly, and we will do everything we can to hold offenders accountable, regardless of how much time has passed.”

If you have experienced sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or via the online reporting tool at Home | Northamptonshire Police.

A force spokesman said: “We will believe you.”

If you have been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, but are not yet ready to speak to the police, please visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/serenity or call Serenity on 01604 601713. Serenity provides free, confidential 24/7 support.

You can also visit Voice Northants | Voice for Victims & Witnesses or call Voice on 0300 3031965.

Voice is a support service for anyone living in Northamptonshire, regardless of when, where or how crime happened to you. Services are free, confidential and you don’t have to have reported anything to the police.