Ronald McMillan, now 79, used his employment and links within the local community to target and abuse young boys both at Fauldhouse community centre, and at his home.

During a trial at Livingston High Court, prosecutors proved that McMillan abused his victims in similar ways and terrified them with threats of violence if they told anyone.

His sexual offending was committed during the 1970s, 1990s and continued until 2002. His offending escalated over this time to the use of force. A jury heard that his victims – the youngest of whom was six when first abused – had been traumatised and experience long lasting and serious consequences.

At the High Court in Edinburgh McMillan was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and his name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offending, Katrina Parkes, said: “McMillan used his job and community links to target young boys at a place where they should have felt safe and manipulated others to visit him at home where he abused them.

“Prosecutors demonstrated evidence that he is guilty of an increasingly serious catalogue of sexual abuse over a lengthy period of time. The victims in this case have bravely told the court what happened to them as children.

“His offending affected many, who now live with the traumatic consequences of his actions. I would like to commend their bravery in coming forward, their strength has resulted in his conviction.”