Glasgow Undertaker Jailed for Sexual Assaults on Female Colleagues
A 63-year-old undertaker has been sentenced to two years in prison after sexually assaulting two female colleagues, including a teenager, while working at funeral parlours in the Greater Glasgow area.
James Jarvie, from Rutherglen, was convicted following a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where jurors heard how he abused his position while employed at Fosters Funeral Directors.
One of the victims was 18 years old at the time of the offence in November 2023. The court was told she was weighing a body in a mortuary when Jarvie approached her from behind and groped her, before laughing at her distress. The young woman described being shocked and confused by the incident.
Prosecutors said Jarvie later made repeated unwanted sexual comments towards the teenager and touched her inappropriately while they were alone in a private ambulance used by the company.
A second victim, aged 25, told the court she was subjected to escalating abuse after starting work with the firm in April 2023. Initially, Jarvie touched her leg and waist, before slapping her and making explicit remarks. The abuse later became more serious, with the woman describing how she was physically restrained and forced to perform sexual acts against her will.
Fiscal Danielle McGuinness told the court the victim felt unable to report the behaviour earlier because she was new to the job and feared she would not be believed. Jarvie was described as older, experienced, and previously respected in his professional life.
The abuse only came to an end after the victim firmly confronted him and told him to stop.
Jarvie was convicted of multiple sexual offences and was jailed on December 18. The court heard powerful testimony from both women, who were praised for their courage in coming forward.