ALLOA TEENAGER DAVID CALLUM SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN STIRLING

In a case that has shocked the local community, 17-year-old David Callum from Alloa was found guilty of abusing a five-year-old girl during a brief babysitting session. The incident occurred in the child's bedroom, where Callum was left to care for her for just over an hour while her mother and grandmother went to view a flat for rent.

Following a two-day trial at Stirling Sheriff Court, Callum was sentenced to 14 months in prison for his actions. The court was informed that the assault took place after Callum read the young girl a bedtime story and she was allowed to sleep in a tent set up in her bedroom, as the light nights had been keeping her awake. The child, now six years old, provided testimony from behind an opaque screen, describing the distress she experienced during the attack.

The child's mother, aged 25, recounted returning to the flat to find her daughter visibly upset and distressed, which prompted her to investigate further. The court heard that the incident was a result of Callum's inappropriate behavior towards the young girl, which was characterized by the court as lewd and libidinous conduct.

Grant Markie, representing Callum, argued that the teenager's educational prospects had been severely impacted by the conviction, noting that he was a fifth-year pupil. However, the court was told that Callum had shown no remorse for his actions. A social background report described his attitude as 'cavalier,' indicating a lack of empathy or regret.

Sheriff Andrew Cubie emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, 'Your actions went so far beyond what is acceptable that public revulsion and deterrence outweigh any factors in your favour. This type of behaviour is incomprehensible to right-minded people.' The sheriff also ordered Callum to register as a sex offender for three years.

On May 28, Callum was convicted of engaging in lewd and libidinous practices towards the young girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons. The case has sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the serious consequences of such heinous acts.