Celtic Boys Club founder Jim Torbett has been jailed for six years after being convicted of sexually abusing three boys over an eight-year period.

Torbett, 71, was found guilty after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow and denied the charges.

His victims included youth players Kenny Campbell and Andrew Gray, who had waived their right to anonymity.

Celtic Boys' Club was founded by Jim Torbett in 1966 with the permission of the then Celtic FC manager, the late Jock Stein and former chairman Sir Robert Kelly.

It was created as a separate entity from the football club, but it has been closely linked throughout its history and acted as a feeder club, producing a string of Celtic players including Roy Aitken, Paul McStay and Tommy Burns.

Torbett had two stints at the Boys' Club, the first from 1966-1974.

He returned to the boys' club around 1980 and stayed until a series of newspaper articles revealed abuse claims against him in 1996.

He was jailed for two years in 1998 on conviction of abusing three former Celtic Boys' Club players, including former Scotland international Alan Brazil, between 1967-74.

Speaking after sentencing, Kenny Donnelly, Procurator Fiscal for Sexual Offences, said: “James Torbett engaged in predatory behaviour and committed these crimes after establishing himself as someone in a position of trust with responsibility for children.

“While his offending began more than 30 years ago, those who gave evidence should be commended for coming forward, reporting his offending and providing the basis for this prosecution.

“I hope that this case provides confidence to victims of sexual abuse that no matter how long ago they suffered abuse, action can and will be taken against their abusers, and that our expert prosecutors will act with professionalism and respect to ensure that justice is done.”