A "DEPRAVED" former Celtic youth coach has been given a further jail sentence after admitting to a string of historic sexual offences against young boys.

Ex-kitman McCafferty, formerly of Wishaw, pled guilty to 12 non-recent sexual abuse offences against children.

The sex attacks happened between 1972 and 1996, with the predator having sexually abused boys aged between 13 and 19, under the guise of football.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, McCafferty was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.

He was already serving time for abuse. 

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Police Scotland Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said McCafferty had carried out the "ultimate abuse of power."

She said: "These boys had a passion for the game, they had dreams and hopes.

"Rather than provide a place of safety for them to fulfil these dreams, he used football to prey upon them.

"The trust and respect they showed him was repaid by a complete and utter abuse of power. McCafferty exploited his position to satisfy his own sexual depravity.

"James McCafferty has blighted the lives of so many people, both his victims and their families.

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"As boys, his victims lived in fear but as adults they stood united, finding the courage and strength to speak out.

"They were listened to and without their testimony we would not be here today witnessing McCafferty’s long awaited admissions of guilt."

McCafferty today admitted 10 charges of indecent assault and one of lewd and libidinous behaviour against boys aged as young as 11.

One of his victims was attacked at Celtic Park while others were assaulted at hotels, training grounds and in his car.

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McCafferty, who now lives in Northern Ireland, worked at Celtic Football Club more than 20 years ago.

He was also a kit man for Falkirk and Hibs before moving to Northern Ireland in 2011.

DCI Sarah Taylor said McCafferty had used "every opportunity available" to target his innocent victims.

She added: "I would like to pay my own personal gratitude to these men. The damage that McCafferty inflicted will never be forgotten, however, today hopefully starts the process of trying to resolve the past.

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"The scale of his abuse is unprecedented, and demonstrates the systematic and calculated methods he used to target his victims.

"Whether as a respected coach or an affable kitman, he used every opportunity available to perpetrate his callous abuse.

"While this investigation is concluded, we are aware that there may be people who have not felt able to report. I would urge you to do so.

"It does not matter when or where the abuse occurred, or who committed that abuse. We will listen and we will investigate.

"The sexual abuse of children is still happening across our communities and in a range of different settings."

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She added: "It is up to all of us to make sure that children across Scotland can follow their interests and hobbies without fear and free from the threat of harm."