EDWARD LEGGATE FROM STRATHAVEN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NEWMILNS

In May 2017, a man originally from Newmilns, now residing in Strathaven, was found guilty of serious sexual offences involving a minor. Edward Leggate, aged 26, was convicted of sending indecent images and messages to a 15-year-old girl through the online platform Skype. As a result of his actions, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for a period of three years and has been subjected to a three-year supervision order.

The charges stem from incidents that took place between May and October 2015. Leggate admitted to sending messages and making remarks of a sexual nature to the young girl, whose true identity remains undisclosed. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to taking, permitting to be taken, or making indecent photographs of children at a residence in Newmilns. These offences were committed over a span of several months, highlighting a pattern of inappropriate and illegal behavior.

The case was heard at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane expressed strong disapproval of Leggate’s lack of honesty during the criminal justice social work assessment. When Leggate appeared before the court for sentencing on a Monday, his defense lawyer explained that his client found himself in a difficult position, citing his last-minute guilty plea as a result of fear and shame.

The lawyer detailed that Leggate’s plea was tendered on the day he was scheduled to stand trial, emphasizing that his client’s previous lack of involvement with the criminal justice system was a factor. The defense argued that Leggate’s actions were influenced by personal circumstances, notably the breakup of a relationship that he had taken badly. In an attempt to cope, he turned to social media as a distraction, initially engaging with known contacts on chat forums before eventually interacting with strangers, including the 15-year-old girl.

The legal representative highlighted that Leggate was fully aware of the girl’s age at the time of their contact, which occurred on a Sunday evening when he was drinking. He acknowledged that his behavior was shameful and criminal, expressing remorse and embarrassment for his actions. It was also noted that Leggate was a first-time offender, employed full-time as a warehouse supervisor, and currently in a new relationship with a 27-year-old woman who is aware of his past.

Throughout the proceedings, Sheriff McFarlane remarked that the criminal justice social work report was difficult to read and criticized Leggate for not being more forthcoming during its preparation. The sheriff dismissed any claims by Leggate that his actions were not sexually motivated or that he did not derive sexual gratification from them, describing such assertions as implausible. She also rejected his attempt to blame the 15-year-old girl, calling it “beggars belief.”

In her sentencing remarks, Sheriff McFarlane emphasized that the only appropriate punishment was long-term supervision, allowing Leggate to confront and address his issues. She concluded by stating, “I am going to give you three years in which your overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame can be addressed,” underscoring the seriousness of the offences and the need for ongoing intervention.