POLICE OFFENDER GROPES COLLEAGUES AND GETS COMMUNITY SERVICE INSTEAD OF JAIL
A police officer identified as Gavin Hannah, aged 25, was found guilty of groping two female colleagues after a Christmas night out.The incident occurred at a residence in Ayr on December 22 of the previous year.
During the court proceedings, the sheriff acknowledged that Hannah's actions caused his victims 'considerable distress.' Despite the severity of the offenses, Hannah was not sentenced to prison but was instead ordered to perform 200 hours of community service as a direct alternative.
Additionally, his name will remain on the sex offenders' register for five years.
The court heard that Hannah, a constable, had attended a night out in the Princess Royal Suite at Ayr racecourse with colleagues before returning to the home of one of the victims in the early hours.
There, he fondled one woman's leg and subjected his hostess to a series of indecent assaults.
After groping one of the women, Hannah was heard to remark, 'Gavin's a bad boy.' The incident only concluded when a friend arrived, and both women managed to bundle Hannah into a taxi.
The victims decided not to report the incident initially, feeling pity for him due to the Christmas season.
However, the affair was brought to court after a sergeant at Cumnock police station overheard a conversation about Hannah's behavior.
Hannah pled guilty to molesting two women at the address in Ayr.
The sheriff, Norman McFadyen, stated that Hannah had abused his position and the hospitality of his colleagues, only avoiding jail because he was a first-time offender.
His solicitor mentioned that Hannah had resigned from the police force and was now unemployed, planning to start a self-employed business.
Hannah expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions.
