BRAIN HOUSTON'S SHAMEFUL CRIME ON EDINBURGH TO STIRLING TRAIN
| Red Rose Database
Stirling Sexual Abuser
Brian Houston, a man from Stirling, has been found guilty of committing a serious sexual assault on a woman during a late-night train journey from Edinburgh to Stirling. The incident took place in a crowded carriage, where Houston’s inappropriate and unlawful actions caused significant distress to the victim.
According to court proceedings, Houston repeatedly engaged in unwanted physical contact with the woman, specifically handling her thighs and private parts over her clothing while seated beside her under a table. Witnesses testified that Houston placed his hand on her knee and squeezed it, then proceeded to touch her thigh over her trousers, despite her clear discomfort and her efforts to distance herself from him. The woman’s distress was evident, and she attempted to move away from Houston during the ordeal.
Further evidence revealed that around 11 pm, the woman sent a WhatsApp message to a friend, describing her situation. In the message, she indicated that a man was sitting next to her and was touching her with his leg. The situation escalated as Houston followed her into Stirling station after the train arrived. He continued to engage her in conversation and even sat beside her again on the train. At one point, he put his leg against hers and later touched her private parts, actions that compounded her discomfort and fear.
Fortunately, the woman was able to disembark at Stirling station, and she sent a WhatsApp message indicating that Houston was no longer around. Her relief was palpable, given the distress she had endured. The court heard that after Houston’s arrest, he did not respond when police attempted to trace him, raising questions about his cooperation.
Houston’s legal representative explained that he had been out drinking prior to the incident and was intoxicated at the time, which they argued had impaired his judgment and disinhibited his behaviour. Houston himself admitted to the offence but insisted that his actions were 'completely out of character.' He expressed remorse for his conduct.
In sentencing, the sheriff acknowledged that a custodial sentence might typically be appropriate for such offences. However, considering factors such as Houston being a first-time offender and the age of the incident, he was given a community-based punishment. Houston was ordered to complete a two-year community payback order, which includes 180 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of two years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offence while also taking into account the circumstances surrounding Houston’s behaviour and his remorse. The case highlights the importance of addressing sexual misconduct in public spaces and the legal consequences faced by offenders.
According to court proceedings, Houston repeatedly engaged in unwanted physical contact with the woman, specifically handling her thighs and private parts over her clothing while seated beside her under a table. Witnesses testified that Houston placed his hand on her knee and squeezed it, then proceeded to touch her thigh over her trousers, despite her clear discomfort and her efforts to distance herself from him. The woman’s distress was evident, and she attempted to move away from Houston during the ordeal.
Further evidence revealed that around 11 pm, the woman sent a WhatsApp message to a friend, describing her situation. In the message, she indicated that a man was sitting next to her and was touching her with his leg. The situation escalated as Houston followed her into Stirling station after the train arrived. He continued to engage her in conversation and even sat beside her again on the train. At one point, he put his leg against hers and later touched her private parts, actions that compounded her discomfort and fear.
Fortunately, the woman was able to disembark at Stirling station, and she sent a WhatsApp message indicating that Houston was no longer around. Her relief was palpable, given the distress she had endured. The court heard that after Houston’s arrest, he did not respond when police attempted to trace him, raising questions about his cooperation.
Houston’s legal representative explained that he had been out drinking prior to the incident and was intoxicated at the time, which they argued had impaired his judgment and disinhibited his behaviour. Houston himself admitted to the offence but insisted that his actions were 'completely out of character.' He expressed remorse for his conduct.
In sentencing, the sheriff acknowledged that a custodial sentence might typically be appropriate for such offences. However, considering factors such as Houston being a first-time offender and the age of the incident, he was given a community-based punishment. Houston was ordered to complete a two-year community payback order, which includes 180 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of two years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offence while also taking into account the circumstances surrounding Houston’s behaviour and his remorse. The case highlights the importance of addressing sexual misconduct in public spaces and the legal consequences faced by offenders.