TYRE FITTER JAILED FOR SEX WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BLANTYRE
A pervert named James Copland, aged 35, was involved in a serious sexual offence involving a vulnerable 14-year-old girl.The incident occurred after he met the girl and her 16-year-old friend at an Asda supermarket in Blantyre.
They proceeded through a wooded area and the girl later revealed to police that she and Copland had engaged in sexual intercourse.
Copland initially claimed he believed her to be 17, stating she told him she was 17 and he believed her, but the girl later admitted she was only 14.
Copland, who lives in Blantyre, later admitted to the police that he had sex with the girl in August last year.
During the court proceedings at Hamilton Sheriff Court, the depute fiscal emphasized that both witnesses are vulnerable.
Despite being on bail since last year and working full-time as a tyre fitter, Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen revoked Copland’s bail, citing his considerable history of sexual offending and the risk he presents of further sexual misconduct.
The court deferred sentencing until later in the month for reports and remanded him in custody.
Prosecutors have also requested a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO), and Copland has been placed on the sex offenders' register.
