ANGELA GATT FROM DALRYMPLE INVOLVED IN SHOCKING INCIDENT IN CUMBRIA AND AYRSHIRE

In November 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Angela Gatt, a woman from Dalrymple, Ayrshire, who was involved in a highly controversial incident that took place in Cumbria. The incident centered around her engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old boy, an act that drew significant media attention and legal scrutiny.

According to reports, Gatt, aged 37 at the time, was found in a compromising situation with the young teenager after a night of heavy drinking. The discovery was made by a relative of the boy, who unexpectedly entered the scene and found Gatt on top of the minor. The relative quickly fled the room upon witnessing the scene. Gatt, in a state of apparent intoxication, reportedly asked the relative, “What’s your problem?” and was reminded of the boy’s age, which was a key factor in the subsequent legal proceedings.

At the time, Gatt was visiting a residence in Cumbria when the incident occurred. She later claimed that she had consumed alcohol to the point of memory loss, which she suggested was why she could not recall the events clearly. Her lawyer described her decision to plead guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child as a “brave” act, emphasizing her acknowledgment of the situation.

Prosecutor Virginia Hayton provided details to Carlisle Crown Court, explaining that Gatt was found naked with the boy on top of her. During the incident, Gatt fell and injured herself, prompting the call for paramedics and police. Hayton noted that Gatt was described as being somewhat aggressive towards the emergency responders, asking if she could go home because she felt she had made a fool of herself. She was subsequently arrested at the scene.

Legal authorities emphasized that the severity of the case warranted detention, primarily due to the significant age difference between Gatt and the minor. The victim, who has since expressed embarrassment, has reportedly been subjected to teasing and ridicule from friends following the incident.

Defense lawyer Brian Williams highlighted that Gatt had pleaded guilty, describing her decision as courageous given the circumstances. He pointed out that she faced considerable personal consequences, including hostility within her local community and the loss of some employment opportunities. Most distressingly, Williams noted that Gatt, a mother of two, was no longer permitted to be alone with her children, which he described as a severe impact on her family life.

Judge Barbara Forrester acknowledged the gravity of the situation, citing the breach of trust and the disparity in age. She also recognized that both Gatt and the boy had been drinking alcohol at the time, though she accepted that Gatt did not supply the alcohol. The judge remarked that what transpired after the initial incident would never be known. Gatt was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order. Additionally, she was placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and ordered to pay costs amounting to £1000.

Earlier in September 2016, Gatt’s troubling history came to light when she was exposed as a sex offender against children. She had engaged in sexual activity with the same 14-year-old boy in a house in North Cumbria during the summer of that year. Gatt, visibly upset, appeared in court and admitted to the act on June 21 of the previous year, shortly before her trial was scheduled to commence.

Her reputation was further tarnished by allegations involving inappropriate conduct at her workplace. Gatt, employed as a personal carer at Ayr-based Active Care, was accused of sharing explicit images via Snapchat, including pictures of her own private parts, breasts, and bottom, sent to colleagues. She denied taking a photograph of an elderly lady during a bed bath, claiming that such “rude” images were commonplace among her colleagues. Despite her denial, she later admitted to picturing her naked body parts and sending the images.

In addition, Gatt confessed to dressing her sleeping husband, Philip, in sexy underwear and photographing them in a sexual act, which she also sent to others. Her claims were dismissed by Sheriff Desmond Leslie, who stated he did not find her credible or reliable. The case against her regarding voyeurism involving a Snapchat image from 2013 was not proven.

During proceedings, Judge Forrester indicated she was considering either a suspended prison sentence or a community order. Gatt was remanded on conditional bail as further background checks were conducted. The case remains a stark reminder of the serious consequences of such conduct, especially involving minors and breaches of trust in professional settings.