ALISTAIR WEBB COYLTON SEX OFFENDER FINED AFTER GROOMING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL NEAR AYR AND STIRLING

In July 2019, a disturbing case involving a man from Coylton, Alistair Webb, came to light when he was convicted of grooming a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity. Webb, aged 27 and residing in Hill Head, Coylton, was found to have engaged in sexual encounters with the young girl in multiple locations while he was staying with family friends. The incidents took place over a period spanning July and August 2017, during which Webb admitted to establishing a relationship and regularly meeting with the girl.

One of the encounters occurred in a vehicle at a layby in Drongan, another at a layby along the A78 in Largs, and a third at an unidentified farm near Bonnybridge in Stirling. These locations, spread across different parts of Scotland, highlight the extent of Webb’s activities during that period. The court heard that Webb’s actions were part of a pattern of reckless behavior, which was linked to a personal crisis following the breakdown of a serious relationship.

Prior to sentencing at Ayr Sheriff Court, Webb’s solicitor, Miss Gianni, explained that her client’s involvement in the offense was driven by a period of significant personal difficulties. She described Webb as having moved into the home of family friends after his relationship ended, where he then met the girl. Miss Gianni emphasized that Webb’s actions were entirely careless and that he fully accepted responsibility for his conduct. She stated, “Mr Webb became involved in the offense at a time in his life which had significant personal difficulties and moved into the complainer’s family home. This involved him coming involved in a sexual relationship with her. He admits this was totally careless. He accepts full responsibility. He admits he should have never allowed the relationship to go any further than a friendship.”

Webb, who works as a tractor driver in Cumnock, has since been in a stable, long-term relationship for two years and is a father to a young son with whom he maintains regular contact. His legal representative highlighted his positive background, saying, “He has an excellent family background.” She also noted that Webb has been involved in farm work since the age of 16 and is regarded as a hardworking and valued employee. The lawyer further stressed that Webb recognizes the seriousness of his actions and is considered a low risk of reoffending or posing a threat of a sexual nature to society.

During the court proceedings, Miss Gianni clarified that Webb’s conduct was out of character and described the incident as opportunistic and reckless. She explained that Webb’s entry into the relationship was a consequence of his personal circumstances, specifically his relationship breakdown and the need for a place to stay. She stated, “This is an offense that is completely out of character. It was an opportunistic and reckless decision. He ended up in the family home as his relationship had broken down and this was how it commenced. Mr Webb has no intention whatsoever of reoffending and is no danger to society or young women. It’s a set of circumstances which would never occur if he didn’t need a place to stay.”

In sentencing, Sheriff Desmond Leslie chose to avoid a custodial sentence, opting instead to impose a fine of £2,000 on Webb. Additionally, Webb was placed on a Community Payback Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for five years. Sheriff Leslie addressed Webb directly, stating, “There was a significant age difference between you and this girl which you were aware of and which was brought to your attention. You took advantage of her as a young girl. You allowed your own desires and appetite to take advantage of her. You were in no position of trust to this girl. You have a good character and you’ve been assessed as having no risk to the community.”