Ex-SNP councillor Mark Kerr jailed for sex offences against boys

Ex-SNP councillor Mark Kerr has been jailed for grooming and abusing six teenage boys.

The 40-year-old represented Kilsyth ward on North Lanarkshire Council when the charges emerged in 2020.

They include attempted rape and span nine years dating back to 2011, when Kerr was a well-known activist and worked in a convenience store.

One victim was assaulted whilst attempting to sleep during a camping trip, while another was molested at a food bank.

The boy who Kerr attempted to rape was 15 at the time of the offence.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how he befriended some of the boys he offended against, despite an age gap, and quickly betrayed their trust.

Prosecutors described the Motherwell man, who was found guilty of nine charges, as a "predator hiding in plain sight" and one victim told the court: "I thought he was a nice guy. But I don't see that now."

At the High Court in Paisley, he was sentenced to six years imprisonment and added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Fraser Gibson, Scotland's procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, said: "Mark Kerr exploited the trust afforded to him by his community roles. Conversations and friendships which his young victims believed to be innocent became and intrusive and distressing as Kerr pursued his own gratification.

"I commend the men who came forward to report the offences they suffered as teenagers. Their bravery and determination allowed our prosecutors to ensure Kerr faced the consequences of his behaviour."