Celtic Boys Club founder Jim Torbett has been found guilty of sexually abusing three boys over an eight-year period.

Torbett has been sentenced to six years after a judge said he used the football team as a “recruiting ground” to prey on boys.

Torbett targeted two teenagers including one who worshipped him as a “hero”.

The 71 year-old also abused a five year-old boy at a trophy business Torbett once owned in Glasgow's southside.

The convicted paedophile faced the accusations at the High Court in Glasgow.

His return to the dock came 20 years after he was jailed for historical abuse of ex-boys club players including former Scotland striker Alan Brazil.

Torbett – who had been living in California in America – was charged in 2017 following fresh allegations of sex attacks.

He was jailed today after he was found guilty of five abuse charges.

The crimes occurred between 1986 and 1994.

Lord Beckett said the setting-up of a youth football club may have appeared “public spirited and commendable”.

But, the judge added Torbett had instead used it as a “front for a recruiting ground” to abuse boys who dreamed of playing for Celtic.

He described Torbett using his “substantial power” to “groom and contrive situations” to abuse victim.

The judge told him: “Yours was amongst the most corrupt behaviour I have heard in these courts.”

Lord Beckett concluded the “depraved” conduct had “blighted” the lives of his victims.

Torbett – who denied the latest crimes – showed no emotion as he was lead handcuffed to the cells.

Torbett was allegedly booted out of the boys club in 1974 by then Celtic boss Jock Stein.

But, he was said to have been allowed back after Stein left in 1980.

The jury found him guilty of indecently assaulting the first victim.

He was convicted of lewd and libidinous conduct and indecent assault against the second boys club player.

Torbett was further guilty of the same two charges on the third boy.

He had denied the charges.