A mother, grandmother and stepfather have received community sentences after subjecting three children to systematic abuse spanning nearly a decade. The trio—Shirley Freeman, Julia Stephen and David McColl—inflicted beatings, starvation and psychological harm on their victims between 2003 and 2012.
Freeman, aged 51, and Stephen, aged 69, were convicted of cruel and unnatural treatment following trial. McColl, aged 50, entered guilty pleas to the offences. At Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 18 July 2026, Sheriff Craig Findlater acknowledged the severity of the case, stating that no sentence could
repair the awful childhoodsexperienced by the three victims.
The sentencing reflects a pattern of child abuse cases across the UK that have drawn judicial scrutiny in recent years. Similar cases involving parental neglect and abuse have resulted in custodial sentences, though outcomes vary significantly depending on circumstances and jurisdiction.
What sentences did each defendant receive?
McColl was ordered to undertake 220 hours of unpaid work, placed under 18 months probation supervision, and subject to an 11-month restriction of liberty order limiting his movements. Stephen received a sentence of 150 hours unpaid work combined with 18 months probation. Freeman was given 18 months probation, 240 hours unpaid work, and a 12-month restriction of liberty order.
Why did they avoid custodial sentences?
The sheriff's remarks indicated that the court considered community-based penalties appropriate despite the gravity of the abuse. The decision to impose non-custodial sentences in cases involving prolonged child abuse remains controversial, with victim advocates and legal observers frequently questioning whether such measures adequately reflect the harm caused.
Key Facts
- Three perpetrators—mother Shirley Freeman (51), grandmother Julia Stephen (69), and stepfather David McColl (50)—abused three children over nine years (2003–2012)
- Freeman and Stephen were convicted after trial; McColl pleaded guilty
- All three received community sentences including unpaid work and probation rather than prison time
- The sentencing took place at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 18 July 2026
