ASHLEY PEARSON

8 Feb 2013 A man from Fife, aged 21, was spared a prison sentence after being found guilty of sexual offenses involving four underage girls.

Ashley Pearson, from Falkland, will complete 300 hours of unpaid community service and has been added to the sex offenders register.

The incidents occurred at various locations across Fife between November 2009 and October 2011.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Pearson was experiencing personal difficulties at the time of the offenses and that he no longer maintains contact with any of the victims.

Sheriff Charles Macnair sentenced Pearson, stating: “You exploited four young girls.

Had this case gone to trial on indictment, the maximum penalty for each crime would have been 10 years in prison.

I have considered your personal circumstances, although they do not diminish the severity of these crimes.” Due to legislative changes occurring between the dates of the offenses, Pearson will serve 300 hours of community service and be supervised for three years for two of the charges.

For the remaining two charges, he will be subject to a nine-month restriction of liberty order.

Additionally, Pearson will be on the sex offenders register for five years.