Search results for Ayr

Description

A North Ayrshire rapist who treated his victims as "mere objects for your own sexual gratification" has been jailed for more than a decade.

Mark McMillan, 47, "robustly" maintains his innocence despite being convicted of five charges involving the rape and sexual assault of three women over about 18 months.

He received a 14-year extended sentence at the High Court in Kilmarnock on Thursday, February 19, comprising 11 years in custody and three years on license.

Lord Harrower said:

"All three women spoke of your belittling and humiliating them with vile and derogatory language. They spoke of your rapid and frightening changes in mood, particularly when you were without access to cocaine.

"A common theme emerged of your treating the women as mere objects for your own sexual gratification... sometimes even when they were asleep."

McMillan was convicted of raping one woman "on various occasions," causing injury, in Stevenston from January to December 2022.

He raped a second woman multiple times in Kilwinning between June and September 2022, including while she was asleep. He also choked two victims, restricting their breathing and causing one to lose consciousness.

A third woman was raped and sexually assaulted in Kilbirnie from February to July 2023; McMillan performed sex acts on her while asleep and photographed her undressed.

Defense advocate Laura Radcliffe noted McMillan's denial, reflected in reports, adding:

"There is little, if anything, I can offer your lordship in mitigation.

“When passing sentence, take into account his lack of record, lack of analogous offending, his previous good work ethic and background of childhood trauma.”

McMillan has prior convictions for road traffic offenses and disorderly behavior but no sexual offenses.

Lord Harrower deemed a lengthy jail term appropriate, stating:

“I am grateful for all three women detailing the physical and psychological trauma they have experienced as a result of your actions.

“I have taken into account everything said on your behalf today but as I am sure you are aware, there is no option other than to impose a significant prison sentence.”

McMillan was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and given an indefinite non-harassment order protecting all three victims, one of whom he "planned to confront."

Description

A sex offender caught sending indecent messages to a '13-year-old girl'—who was actually an undercover police officer—avoided jail upon returning to court.

Christopher Bradley, 55, received community service after admitting to sending sexual messages, including telling the 'child' he was a 'cuddler'.

He previously pleaded guilty to sending sexual communication to what he believed was a child aged 13-16 at his address in Montgomerie Terrace, Ayr, on August 21 last year.

Bradley admitted sending messages to a person he thought was a child, 'intentionally and for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification or of humiliating, distressing or alarming' them.

We previously reported that Bradley turned on his heels and bolted back inside the court building when pictured after pleading guilty at Ayr Sheriff Court in November.

The Procurator Fiscal depute said: “On August 21, 2024 an undercover online operative set up a profile on Snapchat.

“They came across [Bradley], [his] Snapchat was utilised with [his] mobile number to set up.

“He described himself as a 43-year-old male, thereafter the undercover officer described themself as a 13-year-old female.

“He said ‘13, you must be pretty open-minded’.”

The court heard that in conversations with the profile, Bradley called them 'princess' and himself a 'cuddler'.

He said he 'loved to touch and to be close to someone' and wanted to give her 'a cuddle'.

He also asked when her mum would be home and said 'wish you were here'.

The Crown prosecutor added: “When asked why he wished her there he replied ‘to make you feel nice’ and ‘I would love to be next to you now’.

“He said: ‘You will soon know how turned on’ he was. He stated ‘I’m turned on’ and asked ‘what are you wearing?’”

He was arrested after officers attended his property with a search warrant.

At sentencing, defence solicitor Glen Davis said: “Sentence was deferred and the accused cooperated with reports.

“Again it’s a situation that won’t require me to go through the report in detail. I would recommend the [social work report sentencing] recommendations and I have been through the requirements with him.”

Sheriff Maria Kicinski said: “I have listened to everything said and am satisfied there is an alternative to imprisonment possible in a community payback order with supervision for 18 months.”

Bradley was placed on further conduct requirements restricting his internet use and will remain a registered sex offender for 18 months.

The sheriff added that he must complete 120 hours of unpaid work, reduced from 180 hours.

Description

Man who lured child to Blackburn bedroom before sexually assaulting her jailed.

On 23rd April 2023, he lured a 14-year-old girl into his bedroom before going onto sexually assault her.

After McDonald had committed the offence at the property in Blackburn, the brave victim went downstairs and woke her sleeping father to tell him what McDonald had done.

The police were then informed, and McDonald was arrested.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, McDonald, of Gibson Street, Kilmarnock, was charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child.

McDonald was unanimously found guilty of the offence following a trial at Preston Crown Court earlier this month.

He returned to the same court today (27th November) where he was jailed for four years. He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention order for 15 years and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

In an impact statement to the court, the victim said:

“Since the assault, I have lived with fear, anxiety, and a loss of trust. Simple things that once felt safe now feel threatening. I struggle with sleep, with relationships, and with feeling comfortable in my own body. The emotional pain is constant, and it has affected every part of my daily life.

“This crime has taken away my sense of security and dignity. It has left me with memories I cannot erase and burdens I did not choose. I have had to rebuild myself piece by piece, and that process is ongoing.

“I want the court to understand that the harm done to me is lasting. Justice is not only about punishment—it is about recognising the seriousness of what happened and ensuring accountability. I ask the court to consider the profound impact this crime has had on me when deciding the sentence.

“Thank you for listening to my voice today.”

DC Matt Gallagher, from Lancashire Police, said:

“McDonald lured his child victim to his bedroom with the sordid intent of sexually assaulting her. He knew how young she was but simply didn’t care.

“He then set about lying to cover his tracks. He lied to the victim’s father, he lied to the police and he lied to the jury. Presented with the victim’s brave testimony and DNA evidence, the jury rightly saw through McDonald’s lies. I am pleased he has now he has been sent to prison for what he did.”

Description

A convicted sex offender who worked as a carer in North Ayrshire has been struck off by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Alessandro Citti, believed to be from Kilwinning, was based in Irvine with the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership during the offences.

He was convicted at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court in February for sending sexually explicit messages to someone he believed was a 14-year-old child, who was actually an adult posing as underage. The incidents occurred between May and August 2023.

According to the SSSC report, removing him from the social care worker register was "both necessary and justified in the public interest and to maintain the continuing trust and confidence in the social service profession and the SSSC as the regulator of the profession."

The watchdog added: "Social service workers must not put themselves or other people at unnecessary risk. Your behaviour placed the victim or deemed victim at significant risk of sexual and emotional harm. This displays a disregard for the wellbeing of vulnerable people.

"Behaviour of this nature is fundamentally incompatible with professional registration in the social services sector and represents a serious departure from the Codes of Practice and the standards of conduct expected of you.

"Your behaviour occurred over a period of time and should be regarded as serious."

The SSSC noted Citti's lack of engagement in the investigation, stating:

"Your behaviour raises serious values concerns and you have not demonstrated any meaningful insight, reflection or remorse in relation to the behaviour.

"If the behaviour were to be repeated there would be a significant risk of harm to children and young people.

"A finding of impairment is also necessary to uphold public confidence and trust in the social services profession, and in the SSSC as an effective regulator.

"We wrote to you on August 12, 2025 to tell you we wanted to place a removal order on your registration.

"After explaining the consequences and recommending you take legal advice, you have not asked for the case to be referred to a fitness to practice panel. We are therefore permitted by the rules to impose this removal order."

The ruling took effect on September 28, 2025.

Description

A violent Ayrshire rapist, William Byrne, 45, is awaiting sentence for abusing two former partners, leaving them "too afraid to say no."

At the High Court in Glasgow on September 11, Byrne, an inmate at HMP Kilmarnock, pleaded guilty to six charges—three rapes and three assaults. Prosecutors accepted not guilty pleas to 21 further allegations.

The first victim, known to Byrne for years, initially described him as "charming" with the pair having "a great time." His behavior "changed" weeks later.

In July 2018, he "made her have sex" in a car, with such incidents said to have "happened a lot." Another time, he awoke her by lunging with a pillow, pressing it into her face "using his body weight" while shouting "go on, scream, scream." She escaped to the bathroom and fled.

During an argument over her phone that month, Byrne returned with an 18-inch metal pole, threatening to "break her shins" before saying "f**k it" and aiming two blows at her legs.

"She would regularly have sex with him to avoid arguments," the advocate depute said. "She knew if she didn’t he could become violent. She felt coerced to have sex during the relationship."

She felt "manipulated" into sexual acts, often staying awake for his early-morning returns by setting alarms, believing "this would help make things better." At one point, she "felt she had lost all feeling of self-worth."

The final rape occurred in October 2019, post-breakup, when she felt "too afraid to say no." Offenses happened in Irvine and Kilmarnock.

The second victim endured similar violence in Kilmarnock. Byrne hit her with a can, pulled her onto a bed, repeatedly slammed her head against the headboard, punched her face, then held a pillow over it, shouting "just shut up" until she stopped screaming.

He also lit a candle and poured wax into her hair. In another incident, he threatened her with a bread knife, cutting her back, then leaned over her on the bed telling her to be quiet. He made a "large cut" on her leg, leaving a permanent scar, before "tuning out" and apologizing.

Byrne's defense noted prior custody time, including for domestic offenses against one victim in 2021.

Lord Renucci deferred sentencing until later this year, remanding Byrne in custody and adding him to the sex offenders register.

Description

Glasgow, July 25, 2025 – A judge at the High Court in Glasgow has sentenced Gary Morris to 12 years in prison for a series of rapes and sexual assaults committed against two young women when they were teenagers.

Morris, convicted of multiple charges, was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and banned from contacting his victims under non-harassment orders.

Judge Pattison, delivering the sentence, described Morris’s actions as a “course of sexual abuse” marked by grooming, persistent rape, and assault. The court heard how Morris repeatedly abused one victim, starting when she was just 13 years old and continuing into her late teens. The abuse included vaginal and anal rapes, often orchestrated during camping trips where Morris isolated her. He also indecently assaulted a second victim, aged 17, during an overnight stay at his home, touching her inappropriately while she slept.

The judge highlighted the profound impact on the victims, now young women, who showed “bravery and dignity” in testifying. The first victim spoke of enduring “pain and shame,” nightmares, panic, and cycles of self-harm, yet has channeled her trauma into supporting others who have suffered similar abuse. The second victim described 16 years of anxiety, strained relationships, and tainted memories, including the loss of her friendship with the first victim.

“You maintain your innocence, as is your right, but the jury concluded that this was your fault,” Judge Pattison told Morris. “Your offending has had devastating lifelong consequences for these brave women. None of this was their fault.”

The court assessed Morris’s culpability as high, with significant and lifelong harm caused to his victims. Aggravating factors included Demonstrates the prolonged nature of the abuse, the young age of one victim, and a significant breach of trust. While a risk assessment deemed Morris a low risk for reoffending, the severity of his crimes warranted a substantial custodial sentence.

Judge Pattison imposed a single 12-year sentence for all charges, backdated to June 24, 2025, when Morris was remanded. He noted that individual sentences for the charges—ranging from 2 to 7 years—would have been disproportionate, hence the combined term. Morris was also barred from contacting his victims indefinitely and notified under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, requiring lifelong compliance with registration obligations.

The case underscores the judiciary’s role in delivering impartial justice based on evidence and law, as emphasized by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

Description

A man who sexually abused a young child in Southampton has been jailed.

Brian Wills, 51, assaulted the girl – who was under the age of 10 – on 20 July last year. Following this assault police were called.

The girl told officers that she had been abused by Wills on a number of other occasions between July 2023 and July 2024 in Southampton.

Wills, of Hopes Avenue in Dalmellington, East Ayrshire, was subsequently charged with four counts of assault by touching, which he pleaded guilty to at Southampton Crown Court on 2 June this year.

Appearing at the same court on Monday 21 July, he was jailed for 3 years and 10 months.

DC Gemma Boyle, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT), said: “This was a shocking series of offences against a young girl, who has been so incredibly brave in talking about what happened to her.

“It takes such courage to do so, particularly at such a young age, and this must not be understated.

“Sexual offences involving children often have a devastating and lifelong impact on victims, and can be some of the most complex and horrific cases for police to investigate.

“CAIT are a dedicated and specially trained team of officers and staff who are committed to investigating child abuse, bringing to justice anyone who harms a child, and providing support to those affected.

“I hope the outcome of this investigation can give confidence to those who have been abused and are suffering in silence that they are not alone, and we will do everything in our power to target those responsible.”

Description

A RAPIST who systematically groomed and abused eight vulnerable young girls over the course of 16 years has been jailed.  

Gary MacPherson, 58, committed the crimes over the course of 16 years between 2005 and 2022 in Paisley, Glasgow and Orlando.

The majority of his eight victims were children when the abuse began and continued into adulthood.

MacPherson was sentenced to 13 years in prison at the High Court in Paisley on Monday, 30 June, 2025.

He had previously been found guilty at the High Court in Paisley on Monday, 12 May, 2025.

Paedo, Gary MacPherson was jailed in Glasgow for 13 years for abuse of children (Image: Police Scotland)

Gary MacPherson was found guilty of 22 charges. The 58-year-old of Saltcoats committed the offences at various locations, including at his former home in Paisley.

The prosecution led evidence from the victims, which detailed a pattern of offending behaviour by the accused as he tried to gain their trust.

The court heard how MacPherson kitted his home out with things that children enjoy, including a pool, a hot tub, a cinema room, a trampoline and various pets.

He lured in one of the victims after sending her messages about his dog Bonnie on social media.

He told several of the victims not to disclose the abuse as they would get him into trouble.

The offending also included taking pictures of the girls without their consent and stalking behaviour.

The youngest child was six-years-old when the abuse began.

On 30 June 2025 at the High Court in Paisley, MacPherson was given a 17-year extended sentence with 13 years in custody.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Non-harassment orders, banning MacPherson from contacting or attempting to contact seven of the victims, were also granted for an indefinite period.

The messages sent to lure one of his victims.

Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Gary MacPherson inflicted unimageable trauma as he systematically moved from victim to victim.

“The evidence led by our specialist prosecutor demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming behaviour that allowed him to gain access to these children.

“It is thanks to them reporting their experiences that MacPherson will now face the consequences of his depraved actions while also protecting others from harm.

“This prosecution sends a clear message to those who commit this type of offending - you cannot hide from justice, and we will do everything within our power to ensure you are held accountable.

“I would urge anyone affected by sexual abuse to report it, regardless of how long ago it took place. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to protect communities in Scotland by prosecuting those responsible.”

Detective Inspector Euan McMillan said: “MacPherson is an abusive individual who subjected his victims to a prolonged period of abuse showing an utter disregard for the impact this would have on them.

"We acknowledge how difficult it can be for victims of sexual abuse to come forward and I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure.

“I would also like to thank my team of officers whose perseverance and dedication has ensured MacPherson has been brought to justice.

“We continue to be committed to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice. Time is no barrier to our enquiries. I would urge anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime, regardless of when it happened, to contact us so we can conduct a thorough and professional investigation.”

Description

A REPEAT offender who wanted to ‘adopt’ and teach sex acts to a ‘child’ he believed was 14 has been jailed after being caught trying to meet a girl online in Ayr.

Hugh Wilson appeared from custody at the town's sheriff court after pleading guilty to causing a person pretending to be a young child to receive sexual communications.

The 64-year-old was stung by members of a child protection group and livestreamed on social media, after previously avoiding prison when snared in the same manner by police.

When he returned to the dock last week, he was jailed, however, he is likely to be released soon due to the length of time spent on remand.

We previously reported how Wilson, now of HMP Kilmarnock, took members of the voluntary online protection group on a tour of his flat on Craigie Avenue in Ayr, in a video streamed on the Against Sexual Abuse (ASA Scotland) Facebook page.

A procurator fiscal depute said: “The accused was communicating with a witness who portrays herself as a 14-year-old as part of a voluntary online safety group, who makes various social media accounts on various platforms.

"The locus was the home address of the accused. The decoy account received a message from the accused.

“He complemented her and said 'If I said you were cute, how would you feel?' She said it was nice of him to ask and said she was 14 and from the UK.

“He said he was 63 and asked if that was okay, she said 'that’s no problem', they then engaged in general chat, and acknowledged her age several times.

“He stated that if he were younger he would ask her on a date. He asked if he could adopt her. He asked if they could run away together and said he would look after her."

The fiscal depute added: “From October 16 to November 6, 2024 the accused engaged in conversation with the decoy profile. During the conversation he referred to himself as ‘daddy’ and repeatedly used highly sexual language.

“He encouraged her to [perform sexual acts on herself], said he would ‘help her’ and repeatedly asked if she was aroused and if she had ever seen an erect penis before, and what she would do if she saw the accused’s.

“He sent pictures of his guitars and his tablet. When she said she was jealous he had a tablet, he said ‘if you’re a good girl for daddy I might get you one for Christmas’.

“At 7pm on November 6 she attended his home address with other group members. The group live posted the video on Facebook.

“Police were contacted, attended and arrested the accused. He made no reply and was taken to Kilmarnock police office.

“Devices including a mobile, laptop and a tablet were searched. The Crown intend to destroy all devices."

Sheriff Scott Pattison said: "In relation to the narration, I thought the police and Crown had told such groups not to attend at houses in such a manner. For my part, I would appreciate if the group can be told."

When he returned to court for sentencing, defence solicitor Tony Currie said: “I have had the opportunity to discuss with my client. I have to say the ability to discuss in detail was difficult as he was very unwell, whatever is going on he is very softly spoken. 

"Parts of the [social work] report will cause concern - there is a suggestion the offence was not for sexual gratification. I had further discussions on what else could be the motive.

"His position is there was no sexual motivation.

"The combination of analogous offending and the nature of the offence moves it much beyond the custody threshold."

Raising the length of time he had spent on remand, Mr Currie added: "You could consider a long order while monitored for guidance and learning." 

Sheriff Pattison said a custodial sentence was "the only appropriate thing to do".

He added: "Mr Currie may be right that you will be released soon but the offence needs marked for the seriousness."

He was jailed for 16 months - backdated to when first remanded.

He was also placed on a strict sexual harm prevention order forbidding any intentional contact with children under 18.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Description

A former Ayrshire nurse who stalked a terrified woman after matching with her on a dating app is back in jail after she contacted the victim just ten days after being released from prison.

Adele Rennie, 34, from Kilmarnock, was jailed in September 2024 for an elaborate catfishing scam. She was also handed a five-year non-harassment order that banned her from contacting the woman, who she had targeted with the scam.

Rennie was released from jail on 13 January this year but remained registered as a sex offender and subject to monitoring and restrictions. But, just ten days after her release, Rennie sent text messages to her victim.

Rennie was found to have flouted the non-harassment order on January 23 when a social worker was made aware of messages sent to the previous victim. The phone number of the woman had been stored in Rennies phone under the name Gord - but actually belonged to her previous victim whom Rennie was prohibited by court order from contacting.

Rennie pled guilty at the Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday (April 22). Rennie, dubbed Scotlands most prolific catfish, was previously jailed in 2017 for a decade-long stalking campaign.

She is to be the subject of a BBC Three and BBC Scotland documentary titled The Catfish Next Door, charting the campaign. Rennie targeted a number of women with stalking campaigns, which all began online but had far-reaching consequences for her victims.

Rennie pretended to be a man, using a voice-changing app and a number of aliases including David Graham, David Crolla, Davie, Marco and Matthew Mancini.

David Bernard, Procurator Fiscal for North Strathclyde, said: The law will not tolerate Adele Rennies refusal to abide by the strict restrictions placed upon her. Prosecutors at COPFS will respond robustly to keep the community safe from distressing and damaging behaviour like stalking.

We recognise the trauma suffered by some victims of this insidious crime and court orders will be enforced at the earliest opportunity should a perpetrator such as Rennie attempt to reoffend.

Description

A SEX offender branded a "serious risk" to women and children has been jailed after repeatedly trying to drag one young victim into an alleyway to assault her.

Steven McMaster was locked up on an extended sentence after admitting sexual assaults on children under 16, as well as repeated sexual communications to other adult females.

The 42-year-old sexually assaulted one teen at an address in Cumnock, during car journeys at unknown locations and elsewhere, seizing the girl by the waist and pressing and rubbing his body and privates against her body.

McMaster also admitted placing his hand on her thigh on various occasions during the course of car journeys between April 2022 and July 2023.

He admitted sexually assaulting another teenager at a property in the town, as well as in an alleyway, by repeatedly seizing her by the body and dragging her on an occasion between April and July 2023.

He pleaded guilty to a third charge of intentionally sending sexual written communications to an adult female, causing them to look at a sexual image, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, or humiliating, distressing or alarming them.

He admitted sending messages to her and an image of himself naked on various occasions between May and June 2023.

McMaster admitted repeatedly sending sexual communications to another woman without her consent at an address in Cumnock on July 1, 2023.

A sentencing hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court was told last week that one of the young victims was left "crying and visibly distressed" after being sexually assaulted by McMaster.

The court heard that the creep tried to drag one complainer into an alleyway and she managed to get away, however, she was "scared and shaken" after the incident.

Describing further offences, the procurator fiscal depute said a woman received a message from McMaster on SnapChat stating she looked "sexy in her leggings".

On occasions, she saw the accused looking at her in her bedroom and he said she was "sexy" and that he "wanted to kiss and cuddle" her.

Other messages stated she "looked sexy and beautiful" and "loved that her top showed her boobs and nice bottom".

He sent further messages saying "nice bum" and telling her that he wanted "to come to her home and feel her bottom", stating that he was "looking at it when she bent over".

The fiscal depute said: "On a separate occasion, he also sent a nude image of himself.

"She contacted police and showed screenshots of messages from the accused."

McMaster sent another female victim several lewd messages about her privates.

The fiscal depute added: "She told police she did not know why he was sending messages and that this was not welcome.

"The accused was arrested and conveyed to Kilmarnock police station.

"Officers were made aware he was subject to investigation for the sexual assaults."

Defence solicitor Derek Pettigrew said: "He is now 42 years of age. No further matters have come to light.

"He is now distant from the community he lives in, exasperated by the commission of these offences.

"This is very serious offending and he appreciates the gravity."

Sheriff Scott Pattison said: "Your offending is very serious.

"You repeatedly tried to drag [one of the victims] into an alleyway, this is serious sexual offending. It's just fortunate she was able to disentangle herself.

"Given the seriousness of this offending, two charges against children and of a predatory nature, a custodial sentence is inevitable. You are not going to avoid that.

"I'm satisfied that the normal period of licensing would not be enough to protect the public. At the moment, you pose a serious risk of harm to women and children."

He was given a four-and-a-half-year extended sentence, with three years to be spent in custody.

He was also placed on a further 10-year sexual harm prevention order prohibiting contact with children and entering parks.

He was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, with non-harassment orders made for all four complainers.

Description

A SEX offender found guilty of historic abuse involving five young girls in Ayr has been jailed.

Brian McCulloch was given an extended custodial sentence after being convicted by a jury in December of 11 charges of historic child sexual abuse, dating from 2005 to 2022.

The 50-year-old, previously of Catrine, had denied the allegations, with jury members hearing the abuse left one victim suffering nightmares while another told of being assaulted in Ayr’s former Odeon cinema while watching a Harry Potter film. 

The court listened to recorded police interviews with young females, with cross-examination completed during a pre-recorded commission hearing held remotely in the same court. 

One of the women gave evidence in person, stating “that’s incorrect”, "again that's incorrect" and "that's a lie" when McCulloch's denials were put to her. 

One girl told police McCulloch assaulted her on numerous occasions into her early teens, saying: "He sexually abused me, obviously I couldn't consent."

She added: "I didn't understand."

The witness claimed that McCulloch said if she told her family "they wouldn't believe you, not love you anymore and think you're dirty", adding, "so I just never told anyone".

A second teenage witness told police she had been indecently assaulted while she was of primary school age.

She said: "He would stick his hand on my bum then rub it, and just be a weirdo."

"It just didn't feel right," she added. "One time I asked 'what are you doing' and he said 'it doesn't matter'."

The jury heard a recorded interview during which the youngest complainer told police: "I didn't like him. He touched my full body and I didn't like it."

Another complainer told officers: "I remember him running his hands up and down my body, His hands were rough like sandpaper, he was a bit rough, he wasn't gentle. It was as if he was feeling me. I wish he wasn't alive."

Taking the stand in his defence McCulloch branded the accusations "rubbish".

He said: "I cannot think of one reason why the allegations have been made. The allegations have really affected my life."

He was found guilty of all charges when verdicts were returned late last year following a trial at Ayr Sheriff Court.

When he returned to court last week defence solicitor Tony Currie said: "Your lordship will remember this case well, the matter proceeded to trial and he was convicted of all charges.

"At 50-years-old he is appreciative absolutely of the position he finds himself in.

"I always find the [social work] reporting process in these cases can be difficult, on the one hand he went to trial and maintains his innocence, and he is equally accepting of the verdict of the jury. The consequence is he is a man who is prepared to accept the inevitable.

"He is a man with no previous convictions and no cases outstanding. Throughout his adult life he has been in full time employment.

"The report speaks of anger, frustration and other emotions attributed and presentation in the reporting process.

"Sadly as is all too common in these cases, as a direct consequence of the verdict then [press] reporting of the verdict he has been subject to abuse and violent threats since the last calling of the case.

"He will comply with any disposal considered in the circumstances and has been subject to [sex offender] notification requirements since the verdict."

Sheriff Desmond Leslie said: "This was a trial of some duration and you will appreciate the jury took a significant period of time to consider their verdict - the only distinction on the charges was whether the verdict was unanimous or by majority.

"You fully appreciate the serious nature of these offences and what the disposal is likely to be and inevitably that will be custodial.

"You will be sentenced to a period of four years, three years in custody and one additional year in the community in an extended sentence."

The sheriff granted non-harassment orders forbidding any contact with the victims for five years.

McCulloch was told he would remain on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period before being handcuffed and led down to custody.

Description

A CREEP caught sharing hundreds of child abuse images claiming he 'loved lil teens' has been allowed back into the community after a sheriff spared him a prison term.

Mark Webster was placed on a further sexual harm prevention order - restricting his use of social media sites - when he returned to the dock last week.

The 32-year-old admitted to taking, permitting to be taken or making indecent images between April 20 and July 15, 2023.

The sex offender also admitted to a second charge of distributing or showing indecent images from April 20 to July 20, 2023 from his home in Merrick Drive, Dalmellington.

Webster claimed he was "going to sue" our Ayrshire Weekly Press reporter claiming we had "no right to be in" his hearing when he pleaded guilty on December 4 at Ayr Sheriff Court.

Not guilty pleas to further allegations, including that he had possession of extreme pornography depicting females with dogs, were accepted by prosecutors.

A procurator fiscal depute told a previous hearing: "The accused was found in possession of 759 indecent still and moving images from category A to C.

"There was also evidence on his mobile phone of file sharing, suggesting he was involved in distributing child sexual exploitation and abuse material.

"On May 22, 2023 information was received by Police Scotland giving reasonable cause to believe that the accused had possession of indecent material of children. A search warrant was granted and officers from Police Scotland attended his home address on July 20."

Police seized a Samsung mobile phone from Webster's bedroom and informed him that it would be examined.

The fiscal depute added: "An interim examination was carried out on July 21 which confirmed indecent material. On the same date, he returned to his home address and was arrested and conveyed to Kilmarnock police office.

"He made no comment during interview and replied 'nope' to caution and charge. He was released on an undertaking to appear in court."

The court heard that 340 inaccessible category A still images were discovered on Webster's device - the worst level of abuse.

Various chat threads were recovered on one application, Telegram, containing messages from the user requesting details from others to trade in indecent content.

Various acronyms were found that associated him with child sexual exploitation and abuse material.

The fiscal depute said: "Further chats on Snapchat were found and several associated the accused with child abuse material and sending media files. The content of some files is unknown having expired.

"The accused stated he liked young girls and at one point said he 'loved lil teens'."

When he returned to court with his face covered by his jacket for sentencing on January 28, defence solicitor Derek Pettigrew said: "In terms of the report, I can't stress enough his anxiety that he may be going into prison."

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart said: "Can you take that down from your face please?"

Mr Pettigrew continued: "Clearly some intervention is required moving forward.

"I can see no benefit to a period of incarceration but there is benefit in my lady placing him on an order. He appreciates he will need to be monitored in the community.

"Because of this offence remaining in the Dalmellington area will not be an option for him, so he will have to be somewhere else and monitoring will be necessary."

Sheriff MacTaggart said: "Mr Webster, it's a stark choice for me whether to send you to custody or the community. I have to say on balance I have to consider public protection, and consider getting you assistance to address offending in this way in the hope to prevent offending further.

"The reality is that's not something likely to be achieved by sending you to prison for the amount of time I could send you to prison. You should be in no doubt my primary concern is protecting the community, so there will be very stringent monitoring of you and I'm sentencing you to the maximum period."

He was placed on a community payback order under supervision for three years - and ordered to take part in the Moving Forward Making Changes programme which aims to address sex offenders' behaviour.

He will remain on the sex offenders register for three years.

He was also placed on a strict sexual harm prevention order restricting his internet and social media use for five years.

Description

A PERVERTED former Ayrshire school teacher who admitted taking secret, inappropriate, pictures of his former colleagues has avoided jail.

Brian Smith has instead been placed on a community based order - which includes a number of requirements - as a direct alternative to custody.

The 52-year-old took the upskirt images while he was employed as an English teacher at both Stewarton Academy in East Ayrshire and Wellington School in Ayr.

The indecent photos were surreptitiously snapped over a near seven-year period between June 2015 and January 2022.

The 52-year-old pleaded guilty to a pair of charges in relation to operating equipment beneath the clothing of females at both schools - with the intention of enabling himself or another to observe the genitals, buttocks or underwear of the victims - when he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court previously on Tuesday, November 5.

The court heard that the incidents only came to light when Smith, of Cardhu Gardens in Kilmarnock, committed another offence - a breach of the peace - which he also admitted in the dock last month.

This incident took place on January 25 of last year at Tesco on West Shaw Street in Kilmarnock, procurator fiscal depute Gemma McKechnie told the court at that time.

Here, he followed a woman around the store with a mobile phone in hand. It was later discovered that - unbeknown to the woman involved - he had photographed images up her skirt.

Though Smith was caught out after she expressed her feeling of being followed to the shop's security guard.

The police were later made aware of the matter, and this ultimately uncovered other images held by the former teacher.

His details were obtained and then passed to police, who obtained a search warrant for his property.

A MacBook laptop and a hard drive were later analysed and found to contain "voyeuristic" images which depicted people associated with both Stewarton Academy and Wellington School.

Smith returned to Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Friday, December 13, to be sentenced in relation to all three matters brought to light.

Defence advocate Janice Green addressed Sheriff Murdoch Mactaggart on his behalf before a final disposal was imposed, following the preparation of background reports.

She stated that these were offences "society disapproves of" which involved an "abuse of trust" - though commented that the content within was not "at the higher end of the scale".

Ms Green added: "He expresses extreme regret and remorse for affect on the victims and his own family. His guilt and shame is evident. That will now live with him.

"It is clear he has taken significant steps himself to try to manage his proclivities. He has been working with a registered counsellor intensively since May in order to address and face the underlying deviant motivations.

"Despite the setback in terms of his catastrophic fall from grace he continued to work when able to in a less public facing role. He intends to maintain this.

"He knows custody is something that could follow from these offences. Though a robust community order would serve the purposes of punishment.

"Allow him to continue to work toward rehabilitation. He is content to accept any condition that gives him his liberty."

Before sentencing, Sheriff Murdoch Mactaggart addressed the court in terms of the case.

Following a previous hearing, which followed on from the initial guilty pleas provided by Smith, it was determined by the court that some images did not meet the threshold required to be considered appropriate to the charges brought by the Crown.

As a result, two school pupils listed as victims, and one former colleague, were removed from the charges.

The Sheriff added that these images may have been considered criminal under a different charge - though the court was unable to amend those brought by prosecutors.

Addressing Smith, he added: You have pleaded guilty to three serious offences. You took advantage of your position of trust. People are entitled to feel safe in their place of work.

You did this for your own sexual gratification and caused them considerable stress.

In terms of the final charge (relating to Tesco in Kilmarnock) this lady was alarmed and distressed by your conduct.

You presented a risk to woman and this court needs to act to protect woman from you in future.

The 52-year-old was then placed on a community payback order, which will include a range of conditions.

Smith will be placed under social works supervision for a period of three years and will be required to complete the 'Moving Forward Making Changes' program - which helps adult men convicted of sexual offenses to lead a life without harming others.

He was also ordered to complete 210 hours of unpaid work over a period of nine months.

Further to this, he will not be able to use any internet enabled devices unless their written history of use is made available for inspection. He must not delete his browsing history at any stage.

Smith was also made subject to a restriction of liberty ordered which means he must remain within his home address between 7pm and 7am each day for the next three months. His movements will be electronically monitored during this time.

Lastly, the former teacher was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of five years from his court appearance.

Description

A SEX offender has admitted masturbating on a public bus in front of a group of children and threatening to rape a schoolgirl.

Gordon Sawers told a primary school-aged female that he was “going to rape and stab yous" during the incident on board the vehicle which was travelling between Kilmarnock and Ardrossan.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to a total of five charges when he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday, November 26.

The Stagecoach vehicle was pulled over by police in Kilwinning on February 25 this year.

Sawers accepted a charge of communicating indecently with teenage girls, another of indecently causing a youth to hear sexual communications and threatening her with sexual violence, along with an offence of public indecency.

The incident took place at around 4pm on the day in question, procurator fiscal depute Fraser Alexander told the court, when Sawers was travelling on the double decker bus, sitting within the rear seats upstairs.

During the journey, a group of girls came on board and sat together close to where Sawers was located.

"Sawers then began to engage the girls in conversation. Very quickly this turned onto a sexual conversation," Mr Alexander told the court.

"To be clear, it was the accused only that was making any sexual references."

The prosecutor then detailed a number of specific explicit remarks made by Sawers, who is now described as a prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock, towards two of the group.

He told the pair "I will take you to my house and s**g you", adding “I will inject you with heroin” before warning he would “get with your maw".

Sawers made further comments which were directed towards the youngest member of the group.

He stated that he wanted to perform a sexual act upon the girl and told her “I’m going to rape and stab yous and that”.

The court heard that Sawers then proceeded to perform a sex act on himself, causing the youngsters to be "distressed" and "visibly upset".

It was at this stage that another passenger who was travelling on the bus informed the driver of Sawers' conduct - with the police immediately contacted.

The bus pulled over on Pennyburn Road where officers attended and traced the offender.

He was arrested and taken to Saltcoats police office where he was cautioned and charged and made no reply.

Sawers later appeared in court and was granted bail - an order which he breached on two occasions in May of this year having been found out with his home address.

Defence solicitor Brian Holliman asked for sentence to be deferred for the preparation of background reports and to call alongside other, unrelated, matters which are outstanding.

Sheriff Nicola Patrick set a date for sentencing in the new year with the lawyer reserving further comment until then.

Sawers will be remanded in custody in the meantime and was added to the sex offenders register in the interim.