MAN REPEATEDLY INAPPROPRIATELY TOUCHED CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16
A man has been convicted at Sheriff Court of offences under the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.The accused, David Burnett, whose date of birth is 29/10/1952, was found guilty of misconduct towards a person under Section 6 of the Act.
The court heard that the man repeatedly inappropriately touched children under the age of 16.
In addition to the assaults, it has since emerged that he also engaged in voyeuristic behaviour, watching one of the victims through peepholes he created in the family home under the guise of carrying out repair work.
This element of the abuse was not presented during the trial but has since come to light.
The offences, and the lies told to conceal them, tore apart his own family.
His wife believed the false explanations he provided, and one of the victims was ultimately ostracised from both the family and the home after speaking out.
Despite maintaining his innocence the man was eventually brought to justice when a guilty verdict was handed down.
The Sheriff imposed a range of penalties, including: A Non-Harassment Order for a period of 5 years preventing any approach, contact or communication with the victim.
An Electronic Monitoring Order with a Restriction of Liberty Order, requiring the accused to remain at their home address between 7pm and 7am for a period of 6 months.
A Community Payback Order for 3 years, including supervision by the Social Work department and participation in the Making Forward, Making Changes rehabilitation programme.
The accused is also subject to Sexual Offences Notification Requirements for a period of 3 years.
Throughout proceedings, the accused maintained their innocence but was convicted after evidence was presented to the court.
In sentencing, the Sheriff highlighted the seriousness of the offending and the long-term impact on the victim, stating that the measures imposed were necessary both for public protection and to address the offender’s behaviour.
