EAST LOTHIAN MAN JAILED FOR SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD IN MCDONALD'S TOILET
An individual from East Lothian has been imprisoned and added to the sex offenders' register following a sexual assault committed in a McDonald's bathroom involving a vulnerable teenage girl.James Hateley, aged 30, encountered a 13-year-old girl in Edinburgh’s city centre and took her to the London Road branch of McDonald's, where witnesses saw them kissing in a booth.
He then took her into a disabled toilet, where he kissed, stripped, and touched her sexually.
During the incident in May 2022, Hateley sat on the toilet facing the girl and engaged in sexual intercourse.
The girl later reported what had occurred to police authorities.
Hateley pleaded guilty to charges, including sexual activity with a minor, on the 29th of May, 2022.
He also admitted to missing a court appearance scheduled in March the previous year.
Sheriff Julius Komorowski ordered Hateley to be listed on the sex offenders' register on an interim basis, remanded him into custody, and deferred sentencing.
His name will be considered for inclusion in a national list that restricts employment with children and vulnerable adults.
The court learned that the victim had been staying in supervised accommodation but had left without approval, prompting police to become involved.
The incident took place after Hateley and the girl had spent the evening walking around Edinburgh and attempting to find a hotel.
The assault occurred around 6:30 am at the London Road McDonald's, where the pair initially cuddled in a booth before entering the toilet.
Hateley then performed a sexual act and had intercourse with the girl, who was 13 at the time.
Following her departure, police located her, which led to Hateley's arrest and the subsequent charges.
