INVERNESS MAN GARY ELLINSWORTH JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND INDECENT BEHAVIOR
A sexual predator who assaulted a vulnerable woman while she was sleeping has been sentenced to jail after her experience left her "shocked and disgusted." Gary Ellinsworth, 54, had previously offered to give the 22-year-old woman a ride to a house in Inverness after she had been drinking on a night out.When they arrived, the woman fell asleep on a couch.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that while she was intoxicated and asleep, Ellinsworth performed an oral sex act on her.
The court was informed that upon learning of what had happened, the victim was "shocked and disgusted".
Ellinsworth, formerly residing on Mackintosh Road in Inverness, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the woman during a period between March 2016 and March 2017, when she was incapable of consenting.
He is an unemployed first-time offender with no prior jail sentences.
Additionally, Ellinsworth admitted to two other charges of indecent behavior towards a girl between 1997 and 2009, during which he engaged in inappropriate comments about her appearance and sexually molested her while she was heavily intoxicated.
He also offered her cigarettes and money.
The court decided to remand him in custody for further sentencing preparations, with a background report being called for since he had no previous prison time.
Lady Haldane confirmed that Scottish Ministers would be notified because of his conviction under the law protecting vulnerable groups.
Ellinsworth will also be registered on the sex offenders register.
His defense was reserved until a subsequent hearing, and he remained in custody after Tuesday’s court proceedings.
