ANDREW FRASER FROM INVERNESS FACES CHARGES OVER FALSE CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT CLAIM

In a case that has shocked the community of Inverness, Andrew Fraser, aged 34, has admitted to orchestrating a malicious scheme aimed at falsely accusing his ex-partner’s new lover of sexually assaulting a child. The incident unfolded on January 16, 2022, when Fraser devised a plan to deceive law enforcement authorities by fabricating a story that would implicate an innocent individual.

According to court reports, Fraser reached out to a friend via Facebook, asking, “Would you do me a favour?” He then instructed the friend to tell police that the child involved had claimed that the accused had touched their “privates.” Fraser further emphasized the importance of secrecy and trust, stating, “You’re the only one I can trust,” and offered to pay the friend for their assistance. This message was a clear attempt to manipulate the police investigation and create a false narrative that could potentially lead to wrongful accusations.

The police investigation was triggered by Fraser’s message, which they received and examined thoroughly. As a result, authorities uncovered the deception and charged Fraser with wasting police time and making a false report. During subsequent interviews, Fraser admitted to fabricating the entire story, revealing that no formal interview had ever been conducted with the child involved. The court was informed that Fraser’s mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with his use of alcohol and illegal substances, played a role in his decision to make the false allegation. His solicitor explained that Fraser had been experiencing significant emotional distress at the time, which contributed to his reckless actions, especially while under the influence.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank condemned Fraser’s actions, describing them as “utterly incomprehensible” and emphasizing the gravity of such false allegations. The court recognized the serious implications of Fraser’s deception, not only for the individual falsely accused but also for the integrity of the justice system. As part of his sentence, Fraser was ordered to complete a community payback order, which includes 15 months of supervision and 160 hours of unpaid work, serving as an alternative to imprisonment. Fraser publicly apologized to those affected by his actions, acknowledging the harm caused.

This case underscores the damaging impact that false allegations can have on individuals and the justice process, highlighting the importance of integrity and truthfulness in legal matters. The community of Inverness is reminded of the serious consequences that can arise from such reckless behaviour, and authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible conduct when dealing with sensitive issues involving minors.