CRAIG GORDON FROM BRECHIN FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE AFTER SEX OFFENSES IN ANGUS

In a case that has raised serious concerns about public safety and the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, Craig Gordon, a young man from Brechin, is currently at the center of a legal and moral dilemma in Angus. His situation has become increasingly complex as authorities grapple with the challenge of balancing justice, community protection, and the possibility of reintegration.

Gordon, who is 18 years old and currently detained at HMP Polmont, was scheduled to face sentencing at Forfar Sheriff Court in March 2014 after admitting to multiple serious offenses. These included showing indecent images to two boys under the age of 13 on October 5 of the previous year, as well as downloading numerous indecent images of children between February 12 and October 11. His actions have not only violated legal statutes but have also caused significant alarm among local residents and officials.

According to the prosecution, Gordon initially gained the trust of a local family in Brechin through shared interests, notably a passion for motorsport. However, this relationship took a disturbing turn when neighbors observed him engaging in inappropriate activities with young girls, including playing “pile-up” and hide-and-seek games with them. When police challenged Gordon about his behavior, he and the family initially denied any misconduct. A subsequent search of his bedroom uncovered a cache of indecent images, including photographs of a young girl on his bedroom wall, a pair of girl’s pants, and adult magazines hidden beneath his mattress.

Further investigation revealed that Gordon’s phone contained multiple images consistent with those described by the young boys, as well as photographs of himself in the company of young girls. His device also held images of children in swimwear and lingerie, along with photos of Gordon posing with children. Authorities also discovered indecent images of children on his laptop, highlighting a pattern of disturbing behavior. The police report detailed that Gordon had previously breached a sexual harm order in 2012 by entering play parks and chasing girls under 16, further emphasizing his history of inappropriate conduct.

Despite the gravity of his offenses, the court faced a significant challenge: where to place Gordon upon his release. Sheriff Kevin Veal expressed reluctance to release him into the community without a secure and suitable address, citing concerns over the potential contact with under-16s and the risk to public safety. The sheriff stated, “I’m not keen on releasing him back into the community until I know where he’s going,” and added that the possibility of a custodial sentence remained if a suitable residence could not be identified by April 24. The sheriff emphasized that all time served in custody would be taken into account, but this would be the final attempt to find a community-based solution.

Efforts to find appropriate housing have been complicated by the fact that the addresses provided by Gordon’s family were deemed unsuitable due to their proximity to children. His family had indicated they could potentially house him, but police and social workers expressed concerns about the safety implications. Gordon’s background includes living with his stepfather after his mother’s death in 2006, during which he was reportedly subjected to abuse. He later moved in with his biological father, who was a recovering alcoholic, adding further layers to his personal history.

Defense lawyer Robin Beattie informed the court that Gordon had applied for council housing and that efforts were ongoing to secure a suitable address. The court was advised that the decision on his future would depend heavily on the availability of a safe and appropriate residence. Sheriff Veal underscored the importance of child protection, stating, “If I have to impose a custodial sentence I want to ensure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. The protection of children must be paramount.” He further explained that the severity of the offenses and the risk posed to the community would influence the final decision, which hinges on the availability of a suitable address.

As of the latest hearing, Gordon remains remanded in custody until March 27, with sentencing deferred until then to allow for further social work inquiries. The case continues to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the justice system in managing juvenile offenders with serious offenses, especially when community safety is at stake.