Former pastor convicted of abusing woman and children over 23 years
The Rev James Haram, 51, was found guilty of 19 charges of physical and sexual abuse, with a judge branding his victims' ordeals as 'truly awful'.
The crimes, which included the rape of the woman, took place between 1997 and 2020 at addresses in Glasgow, Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire and South Ayrshire.
Haram subjected the woman, whose identity is protected, to a campaign of abuse
The High Court in Glasgow heard testimony detailing Haram's catalogue of abuse.
The woman, whose identity is protected, was subjected to a campaign of psychological and physical torment. She was called derogatory names, and Haram would fly into rages, punching walls and throwing household items.
The court was told he once threatened to hit her with a piano stool and even mowed over flowers she had grown.
His controlling behaviour extended to tracking her movements and conversations. The violence escalated to the point where Haram grabbed and choked her, causing her 'whole body to go limp'.
Jurors were also told of the pastor's manipulation as he badgered the woman into sex, using biblical references to force her to 'subject' herself to him.
Haram conducted 'modesty checks' on young girls
SPINDRIFT
During his defence, Haram claimed all sexual encounters were consensual and that the woman was an 'incredibly convincing' liar who had used her 'many wonderful gifts' to 'turn against' him. However, he did admit to 'occasional flare-ups of aggression'.
The court was told Haram conducted 'modesty checks' on young girls and violent beatings with a wooden spoon or a rod.
John Macpherson, prosecuting, highlighted one girl's 'graphic account of some savagery' and being regularly beaten by Haram, an account which the pastor said was 'wholly fabricated'.
In one incident, Haram allegedly flew into a rage while in a car with two children, threatening to deliberately crash and kill them all. He told the trial: 'They knew I did not mean it.'
In a final act of defiance, Haram clutched a Bible as he was led to the cells.
Judge Tom Hughes told Haram that the jury had heard deeply distressing evidence and that the 'extremely serious offences' would 'obviously carry a lengthy custodial sentence'.
Sentencing has been deferred until September for reports, but Haram has been remanded in custody.
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