BRUCE MOTHERWELL

In 2022, a 31-year-old man named Bruce Motherwell was sentenced to 27 months in prison following a conviction for child sexual assault and other related offences.

The sentence was passed by Sheriff Kevin McCallum KC at Dumfries Sheriff Court.

Motherwell, who is currently held at HMP Kilmarnock, was found guilty of attacking a child at a property in Castle Douglas during the period between September 2017 and September 2019.

The court was told that the assault happened while the child was asleep.

In addition to the sexual assault, Motherwell had previously admitted to a threatening and abusive incident in Castle Douglas on November 20, 2021.

During this event, he resisted arrest and allegedly threw his arms at four police officers while tensing his body.

He also acknowledged committing further offences on bail.

On September 7 of the previous year, Motherwell was observed lingering near a local children’s play area, frequently staring at children, inspecting a house, and entering a garden on Lochside Road without permission.

Sheriff McCallum KC explained that the 27-month imprisonment was deemed the only fitting punishment for all offences.

The sentence was backdated to September 9 of last year, and Motherwell was ordered to be on the sex offenders register for ten years.

The case has sparked local concern about the conduct of offenders during bail periods and the safety of children in public environments.