Jim McCafferty, 73, has been sentenced to six years and nine months in jail after admitting sexually abusing young footballers
A former football coach and kit man who admitted sexually abusing ten aspiring young players is 'likely' to die behind bars after he was jailed for nearly seven years.
Jim McCafferty, 73, who worked with the Celtic youth team and boys club, pleaded guilty to 11 charges related to child sex abuse against 10 teenage boys between 1972 and 1996.
He admitted a further charge of breach of the peace.
The incidents took place in several locations across Scotland - including team showers, hotel rooms and mini buses.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard on Tuesday that McCafferty was respected as an 'experienced coach' by parents but abused his position of power and used his intimidating physique to carry out a campaign of 'sexual depravity' against budding footballers.
Among the complainers were former professional footballers and many of his victims have since suffered from serious mental health problems and alcohol abuse, the court heard.
Judge Lord Beckett said McCafferty had used his 'overpowering' nature to achieve his 'depraved objectives' of abusing young boys.
He said: 'For many complainers, the sexual abuse inflicted was repeated over a number of years.
'In seven impact statements I have learned of the serious and lasting effects of your prolonged course of criminal conduct.
'The courts must do what they can to seek to eradicate the sexual abuse of children engaged in sport.
This video shows McCafferty outside a court in Northern Ireland in December 2016 after being charged with child sex offences
The former youth coach and kit man, pictured arriving in court, attacked the youth players
