JAMES STOREY'S SHOCKING BREACH IN MUSSELBURGH: SEX OFFENDER AVOIDS JAIL AFTER ONLINE ESCAPADE

James Storey, a 34-year-old sex offender from Musselburgh, found himself back in court last month after a series of concerning actions that highlighted ongoing issues with his compliance to legal restrictions. Storey, who had previously been subjected to a strict sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), was detained by police following an incident that revealed he had once again violated the conditions set to monitor and control his online activities.

According to court records, the breach occurred on November 2 of the previous year at his residence on Links Avenue in Musselburgh. Police responded to a call after Storey attempted to access an online chat platform, a site he had previously tried to shut down in a panic. When officers arrived at his flat after he failed to answer the door, they could hear him moving around inside and shouting, “I’ll be just a minute.”

Upon gaining entry, officers found that Storey had been actively deleting his internet history across multiple devices, including a laptop, a mobile phone, and a PlayStation 4. He then led the officers to a hidden mobile phone concealed in his bedroom, further indicating an attempt to conceal his online activity. During questioning, Storey expressed self-disgust, stating he was “disgusting” and that he “should be locked up forever,” revealing his awareness of his violations and his own feelings of shame.

This incident took place at his Musselburgh home, and it was part of a pattern of behavior that raised serious concerns about his adherence to the conditions of his sex offender status. Previously, in March of the previous year, Storey had been sentenced to 16 months in prison and placed on the sex offenders' register for ten years after being convicted of threatening or abusive behavior with a sexual aggravation.

During the recent court hearing, Storey pleaded guilty to breaching the SHPO. The court reminded him of his ongoing obligations, including his registration on the sex offenders' register until March 2034 and the restrictions imposed by the SHPO until March 2029. Despite the breach, Sheriff Fergus Thomson opted against imprisonment, instead sentencing Storey to a community payback order supervised by social services for a period of three years. This decision was made as an alternative to custody, reflecting the court’s attempt to balance punishment with rehabilitation efforts.

Throughout the proceedings, Storey’s behavior and statements underscored the ongoing challenges in managing sex offenders and ensuring compliance with legal restrictions designed to protect the community. His case remains a stark reminder of the importance of strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent further breaches and safeguard public safety in Musselburgh and beyond.