GRAEME SHAW FROM GOUROCK ESCAPES JUSTICE AFTER SENDING OBSCENE TEXTS TO 12-YEAR-OLDS IN SCOTLAND

In a case that has sparked widespread outrage and disbelief, Graeme Shaw, a 21-year-old resident of Gourock, was granted an extraordinary legal reprieve after admitting to sending highly inappropriate and sexually explicit text messages to two young girls aged 12. The incident, which took place in May of the previous year, involved Shaw, who was actively involved in youth theatre and church activities, reaching out to the girls via their mobile phones with disturbing and offensive messages.

According to reports, Shaw sent texts asking the girls whether they could love him, go out with him, date him, hug him, or even have sex with him. These messages, which were described as grossly offensive and of an indecent, obscene, or menacing nature, were part of a series of communications that caused significant concern among the girls’ families and the wider community. The two girls, who cannot be publicly identified due to legal restrictions, were students in Shaw’s youth drama group, raising questions about the safety and oversight of children involved in such activities.

Shaw pleaded guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court to the charges, and his sentencing was deferred for a year on the condition of good behavior. Despite his admission, the court’s decision on the day was met with outrage from the parents of the victims and the public. Sheriff John Herald, who presided over the case, took what he described as a “very unusual step” by granting Shaw an absolute discharge, effectively allowing him to walk free without a criminal record. The sheriff justified his decision by highlighting Shaw’s impressive background report, which detailed his involvement with various youth groups and charities, as well as noting that his parents hold senior positions in local schools.

Sheriff Herald stated, “I am going to take the very unusual step of giving you an absolute discharge, which means you will have no criminal record.” This ruling has been widely condemned, with the parents of the girls expressing their disbelief and anger. They questioned the justice of the decision, emphasizing that Shaw’s involvement in other youth organizations and charities should not exempt him from accountability. The parents argued that such a background should have prompted stricter action rather than leniency.

Adding to the controversy, Shaw claimed that the messages were part of a chain text he had received and subsequently forwarded to his contacts, attempting to justify his actions. The case has also drawn criticism from political figures. James Kelly, the Scottish Labour justice spokesman, condemned the decision, stating, “There is no excuse for sending a text like that. It turns your stomach.” Meanwhile, Duncan Simpson, a prospective Tory candidate for Greenock Central, called for Sheriff Herald to step down, criticizing the ruling as a failure of justice.

The case has left many questioning the adequacy of the legal response to such serious offenses, especially when involving individuals with significant community involvement and responsibilities towards youth. The outrage continues to grow as the community and advocacy groups demand a reassessment of how cases of this nature are handled within the Scottish legal system.