DARREN CROSS FROM ELGIN FACES LEGAL BATTLE AFTER CONVICTION FOR SEXUAL OFFENSE INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRL

Darren Cross, an offshore worker residing in Elgin, is currently seeking to overturn his recent conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 5, 2011, following a housewarming party that was notably fueled by alcohol. Cross was found by police lying naked in bed alongside the underage girl, an encounter that led to his arrest and subsequent trial.

During the three-day proceedings at Peterhead Sheriff Court, the jury deliberated on the evidence presented and ultimately found Cross guilty of the charges. Cross maintained that he was not involved in any wrongdoing, claiming that his nudity was due to an overactive thyroid condition, which he said caused his body to heat up excessively overnight. Despite his explanation, the court found the evidence sufficient to convict him of sexual activity with a minor.

Cross’s address was listed as 3 Schoolbrae Place, Elgin, and he is a father of two children. Following his conviction, he launched an appeal against both his sentence and conviction. A hearing for this appeal is scheduled to take place at the Court of Criminal Appeals in Edinburgh within the coming weeks.

Earlier this month, Sheriff Alison Stirling sentenced Cross to a custodial term. She acknowledged that the victim was a willing participant in the incident but emphasized that a custodial sentence was the only appropriate punishment. The sheriff also noted that the girl had issues with alcohol and had been entrusted into Cross’s care by her mother at the time of the incident.

Additional details emerged during the trial, revealing that Cross had a prior conviction for lewd and libidinous behavior from 2012. He had previously served four and a half months in prison for leading a high-speed police chase through a Highland village while disqualified from driving. The court also heard that the victim, who was intoxicated on the night of the incident, could not remember the events clearly. However, forensic analysis of her underwear revealed traces of Cross’s DNA, which was a significant piece of evidence in the case.

Ian Ritchie, a friend of Cross and an offshore worker, was present at the scene. He had gone to sleep in the living room after the party, while Cross and the girl had agreed to sleep “top to toe” in a bedroom. Ritchie later reported hearing noises from the bedroom, including bed movement and heavy breathing, which made him uncomfortable. Feeling uneasy, he decided to leave and go to Peterhead, where his girlfriend was staying. Subsequently, he contacted police for advice, prompting officers to visit Cross’s property.

When questioned by police about why he was naked in bed with the teenager, Cross explained that his body temperature was elevated due to his thyroid condition, which prevented him from cooling down. His defense attorney, Jim Wardlaw, argued that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, as there was no direct witness to the sexual activity. Nevertheless, the jury took less than an hour to reach a guilty verdict by majority.

As a result of his conviction, Cross was informed that he would be registered as a sex offender indefinitely, a measure that will have lasting implications for his personal and professional life.