DAVID MATHESON FROM GORTHLECK JAILED AFTER ATTACK ON SEX OFFENDER IN INVERNESS-SHIRE VILLAGE

In a case that has stirred considerable concern within the local community of Gorthleck and the wider Inverness-shire area, a man named Kenneth Scott was sentenced to 11 weeks in prison for assaulting David Matheson, a known sex offender, near the Gorthleck Fire Station. The incident prompted a serious discussion about justice and the rule of law, with Sheriff Ian Abercrombie expressing his apprehension about the potential erosion of legal authority if such vigilantism were to become commonplace.

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Abercrombie emphasized the importance of adhering to legal processes, despite the community’s apparent support for Scott’s actions. The court heard that Scott’s actions were motivated by a desire to punish Matheson, who had a troubling history involving sexual offenses. The defense, represented by solicitor Craig Wood, highlighted the community’s mixed reactions, noting that many residents had expressed approval rather than condemnation for Scott’s conduct.

David Matheson, aged 53, had previously been convicted in 2008 for engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a 15-year-old boy who falsely claimed to be 18. Following his conviction, Matheson was placed on probation and was required to register as a sex offender. His registration remained active until January of the current year, underscoring his ongoing legal obligations and the community’s awareness of his past.

Matheson’s criminal history also includes a 2008 incident where he contacted a 15-year-old boy via the internet. The 50-year-old man had engaged in consensual sexual acts with the teenager after initiating contact through an online platform. This incident resulted in Matheson being sentenced to two years’ probation at Inverness Sheriff Court. As part of his sentence, he was also required to remain on the sex offenders’ register for the duration of his supervised probation period.

Prosecutor Alison Smith provided details of the case, explaining that the teenager involved had to pretend to be over 18 to communicate with Matheson online. The relationship escalated over several months, with the two exchanging mobile numbers and meeting multiple times between December 2007 and March 2008. The police were alerted to their interactions by a third party concerned about the nature of their relationship.

During police interviews, Matheson admitted to several charges, including communicating with a person under 16, traveling between Lyne of Gorthleck and Maryburgh Woods and the banks of the River Conon with the intent to meet for unlawful sex, and engaging in homosexual acts with a minor. He also acknowledged breaching bail conditions by maintaining contact with the boy after his court appearance, despite being explicitly prohibited from doing so. The police investigation revealed that Matheson and the boy maintained regular contact, speaking on the phone once or twice weekly, which further alarmed authorities and led to the intervention by law enforcement.

This case underscores the complex issues surrounding sexual offenses, community reactions, and the importance of legal procedures in addressing such serious matters. The incident near Gorthleck has left a lasting impact on the local community, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in balancing justice, public safety, and community sentiment.