A man who was sexually abused by Celtic Boys Club beast Jim Torbett is to release a book later this month. Gordon Woods, 69, has spoken ahead of the launch of his tell-all book 'Being put through Hoops', which he hopes will inspire other child abuse victims to come forward.
The sex abuse survivor started writing the book in 2020 after he was encouraged to document his thoughts by former Daily Record journalist Keith McLeod, but was forced to put it on hold during his court case against the Celtic Boys Club founder.
Torbett was convicted of abusing Gordon at the High Court in Inverness earlier this year on April 25 after a jury heard how the beast sexually assaulted him up to 40 times between 1967 and 1968 in various locations including the paedophile's flat, his car and in the back of a toy shop in Glasgow.
Speaking ahead of the book's launch on July 21, Gordon told the Daily Record: "When I first came forward, I had a difficult time recounting to others when and what had happened during my time at Celtic Boys’ Club. It was obvious that my story and its background were not being told or explained fully.
"Then a journalist from the Daily Record suggested that I write everything down when I was going through difficult patches as it would be beneficial to my mental health and ability to accept my experiences. It became apparent that writing the book would allow me to tell the whole story."
Gordon told how he had 'taken back control' after he faced his abuser at the High Court in Inverness earlier this year on April 25. He told the Jury how the Celtic Boys Club beast sexually assaulted him up to 40 times between 1967 and 1968 in various locations including the paedophile's flat, his car and in the back of a toy shop in Glasgow.
The Jury took five hours to find Torbett, now 76, guilty of three charges of indecent assault and one of using lewd and libidinous behaviour. Gordon hopes the book will help educate the public about the abuse he suffered and encourage others to come forward.
"The book explains the help, understanding and respect shown to me throughout my fight for justice and is a solid indicator to those on the brink of coming forward to do so, and to remove the dark sinister cloak that has enveloped their lives for many years. If I can help one single victim to come forward and release their misplaced guilt, shame, and embarrassment then it will have been a success."
"We must break this cycle of silence."
Being Put Through Hoops will be available to purchase on Amazon from July 21 for £9.99.
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