The Rev James Haram, 51, a former minister with the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing), was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of 19 offences including rape, sexual assault, and violent abuse against a woman and eight children. His crimes spanned from 1997 to 2020 across Glasgow, Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, and South Ayrshire.
“You betrayed their trust” – Judge
Sentencing Haram, Judge Tom Hughes said:
“You should have been a role model, but, in reality, there was a darker, deeper side to you whereby you were involved in sexual and physically violent abuse.”
The court heard how Haram raped a woman, beat children with wooden spoons and rods, and carried out humiliating “modesty checks” on girls. Victims also recalled being subjected to constant verbal abuse, threats of violence, and coercive control masked by religious authority.
One victim said Haram forced her into sex while quoting biblical passages, telling her she had to “subject” herself to him. She described sobbing through the assaults with “tears down her face.”
Abuse Hidden Behind Clerical Role
During the period of abuse, Haram rose through the church ranks to become a minister with his own congregation. The judge said:
“The congregation trusted you. They looked to you as their leader. While carrying out your ministerial duties, you were committing appalling offences and betraying that trust.”
Jurors heard harrowing testimony of how Haram tracked his partner’s movements, destroyed flowers she had planted, and even suggested she should take her own life. The abuse of children included violent beatings, terrifying threats to deliberately crash his car with them inside, and cruel comparisons to fictional villains.
Survivors’ Bravery Recognised
Judge Hughes praised the courage of the victims for coming forward, saying he hoped they could take “comfort” in knowing their evidence had been believed.
Haram, of Dumbarton, was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and banned from approaching or contacting his victims. Despite the verdicts, he continued to deny the most serious allegations, claiming his accusers fabricated stories.
A Campaign of Control
The court was told that Haram created an atmosphere of fear, forcing his partner to engage in religious activities and using scripture to justify his actions. He also carried out degrading checks on girls’ clothing, under the guise of religious modesty.
Prosecutors described his behaviour as a pattern of coercion, violence, and sexual exploitation masked by his clerical role.
Community Reaction
The case has shocked communities in Glasgow and beyond, raising wider questions about safeguarding and the misuse of religious authority.
