MAN WHO STALKED A VULNERABLE SCHOOLBOY AND KISSED HIM ON THE NECK HAS BEEN WARNED HE COULD FACE A SUBSTANTIAL JAIL SENTENCE
A man who pursued a vulnerable adolescent schoolboy and kissed him on the neck has been warned that he could face a significant prison term for damaging the youth's childhood.Jamie Martin developed a friendship with the boy, who was 14 at their initial meeting, but his conduct soon became increasingly unusual, culminating in pressure for sexual activity in a secluded woodland area.
His actions led the teenager to withdraw from his family, and his academic performance and friendships also deteriorated.
In a troubling message directed at his victim, Martin, even threatened self-harm after feeling jealous because the boy’s family posted holiday pictures.
Martin appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court, admitting to stalking the boy, traveling to meet a child with the intent of unlawful sexual activity, and engaging in sexual acts with an older minor.
The offences occurred across Highland locations from April 2023 to February 2024.
Prosecutor Susan Love informed the court that the boy was only 14 when he met Martin.
She stated, “They formed a friendship.” However, in April 2023, Martin’s behavior shifted.
Court proceedings revealed he frequently messaged the boy, growing angry if he did not receive the same in return.
The adult accused suggested the teenager was trying to replace him with other friends, according to the prosecution.
Martin also threatened suicide after discovering the boy had been on a trip with a family member and showed jealousy when he learned the boy was spending time with others.
By October 2023, Martin began to pressure the boy into allowing him to kiss him, and he told him he loved him.
Later messages confirmed this, and during one encounter in a secluded woodland area, Martin kissed the boy on the neck.
The boy was uncomfortable but felt compelled to go along due to Martin’s threats of self-harm.
Fear of immediate replies to messages caused the boy to avoid family outings, and he became withdrawn, secretive, and his grades declined, the court heard.
He also lost friendships, but felt some relief when at school, because he was not messaging Martin.
When his family shared holiday photos online, Martin became jealous, demanding details of the men in the images, and subsequently sent a photo of pills and threatened to kill himself.
The boy confided in his cousin and a friend, describing Martin as controlling and wanting to engage in sexual activity with him.
These disclosures led to reports to school staff, his mother, and police.
Martin was eventually cautioned and charged after statements were taken.
Sheriff Gary Aitken ordered a background check on Martin and requested an assessment for suitability for the Moving Forward 2 Change programme aimed at addressing sexual offending.
Following his guilty plea, the sheriff expressed hope that Martin truly recognised the severity of his actions, emphasizing that he had destroyed the boy’s childhood and potentially his future.
Martin, from Millbank Road, Dingwall, was placed on the sex offenders register immediately, with the duration to be decided at sentencing.
He allowed him to remain on bail but told him: “Be under no illusion – a substantial custodial sentence is a very distinct possibility in this case.
Your behaviour is unacceptable, to put it mildly.”
