70-YEAR-OLD PENSIONER PLACED ON SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER FOR SENDING UNDERWEAR IMAGES
A pensioner has been placed on the sex offenders register after he sent a neighbour images of himself in women’s underwear.David Rennie, 70, appeared for sentencing at Banff Sheriff Court on Monday where he was told he would be subject to the notification requirements for the crime.
This will see him forced to inform police of his address and any changes to his personal life for the next year.
The Merchant Navy veteran had been living in Aberchirder at the time of the offence and admitted to repeatedly sending images of his genitals in women’s underwear to his target.
Court papers show that Rennie admitted to sending his perverted messages between October 15 and December 20 in 2023.
His solicitor, Stuart Beveridge, stated the offence was a 'one-off' for his client and that Rennie and the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, initially shared an interest in the Merchant Navy.
Beveridge explained that Rennie accepted he should not have sent the images, stating 'They were discussing [the Merchant Navy], and what started as innocent banter basically turned into something a bit more.
He accepts, my lord, he overstepped the mark here.' Background reports on Rennie were described as 'full' and 'very positive.' The court heard Rennie is 70 years old, has never been in trouble before, and has led a pro-social life until this incident.
He has since moved more than 250 miles away to Newton Stewart in Dumfries.
In sentencing, Sheriff Robert McDonald decided a supervision order was appropriate, meaning Rennie will be monitored by social workers and must comply with their instructions.
He will also need to adhere to notification requirements during this 12-month period.
