GERALD WELSH IRVINE SEX OFFENDER JAIL SENTENCE AFTER CHILD ABUSE INCIDENT

In March 2014, a disturbing incident involving Gerald Welsh, a 46-year-old man from Irvine, resulted in his being sentenced to 17 months in prison and placed on the sex offenders’ register. The case stemmed from a frightening encounter with a 13-year-old girl as she was walking home from school in Irvine, which left her traumatized and prompted immediate police action.

On the afternoon of April 29, 2013, around 3:40 pm, the young girl was making her way home through a shortcut between Tollerton Drive and Caldon Road. As she proceeded along the lane, she suddenly became aware of someone running behind her. Initially, she thought it might be a jogger passing by, but her assumption was quickly shattered when she was unexpectedly grabbed from behind by a stranger.

Gerald Welsh, who was entirely unknown to the girl, had approached her from behind and used his arms to seize her. One arm was wrapped around her waist, while his other hand was placed on her shoulder. His words to her were chilling: “You’re coming with me.” The girl, terrified and distressed, screamed for him to leave her alone. Despite her protests, she fought to free herself from his grasp and managed to break free, running out into the street to escape.

When she looked back, she saw Welsh standing a short distance away, remaining in place as she hurried away. She took an alternative route home, arriving around 4:20 pm, visibly upset and shaken. Her immediate reaction was to confide in her mother about the assault, which led to a police report being filed.

Within minutes, police officers on mobile patrol responded to the call. They were given a description of the suspect and, at approximately 4:25 pm, spotted Welsh on Caldon Road. Welsh was detained and taken to Saltcoats Police Office for questioning. During the search, officers discovered a condom in his wallet. Welsh admitted to approaching the girl and made inappropriate comments, describing her as a “tidy wee bird” and asking, “Any chance of a touch? You know I fancy you.”

He also claimed that his last sexual encounter had been six years prior and insisted that he carried the condom to promote safe sex. Despite the girl wearing her school uniform at the time, Welsh stated he did not notice her attire, only recalling that she was wearing “black tights, a black skirt.”

Welsh, who had no previous criminal record, appeared before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court in custody last week. He pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening behavior likely to cause fear and alarm. The court was informed that Welsh had initially been granted bail but failed to appear for his scheduled court date, prompting a warrant for his arrest. When he was finally brought back into custody, Welsh offered no substantial explanation for his absence, merely claiming that his “civil rights” were being violated.

During the hearing, Welsh’s lawyer described him as an “eccentric” individual who believed he was engaging in innocent conversation with a young woman of around 18 or 19 years old. Sheriff Alistair Watson interrupted, emphasizing, “Let me stop you there. She was not a young lady, she was a child.” The lawyer acknowledged this point, stating, “Regardless, it was inappropriate behaviour.” The sheriff also noted some of Welsh’s comments as “bizarre” and announced that a psychiatric report would be ordered, along with background checks, before sentencing.

Sheriff Watson highlighted the “quite clearly a significant sexual element” to the offence and confirmed that Welsh’s name would be immediately added to the Sex Offenders Register for a period to be determined at his next court appearance. Upon hearing this, Welsh protested, exclaiming, “No, I’m not pleading guilty to that.” The sheriff responded firmly, “It’s too late for that now,” underscoring the seriousness of the case and the court’s decision to impose the registration requirement.