JASON SPENCE FROM ALLOA AND PERTH SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

In a recent court ruling, Jason Spence, a man with ties to both Alloa and Perth, was sentenced to serve time in prison following serious allegations of grooming and inappropriate conduct involving young boys. The incident, which took place in 2021, has shocked the local communities and raised concerns about the safety and trust placed in individuals known to families.

Spence, who was 35 years older than the children involved, was found to have committed a grave breach of trust. According to court documents, he took two young boys on a day trip to Perth on July 7, 2021, during which he engaged in inappropriate behavior. The outing included shopping and lunch, but the troubling events unfolded at The Tavern on South Street in Perth. It was there that Spence was overheard making disturbing remarks to the boys, which caused alarm among other patrons. An eyewitness reported hearing Spence say, "I don't like men, I like boys," a comment that was overheard by a customer who initially believed Spence was unrelated to the children. The same witness also heard him say, "I don't like men, I like boys. I'll buy you pants but I like boxers," further highlighting the inappropriate nature of his comments.

Following these overheard remarks, concerns were promptly reported to the police. An investigation was launched, during which the police interviewed the two boys involved. One of the boys had known Spence since late 2020 and revealed that he had received a message from Spence asking to see his pubic hair. The other boy, who had been acquainted with Spence since he was very young, reported that Spence had been grooming him over recent months. The police inquiry uncovered that Spence had sent sexual messages to the boys, asking them to show him their pubic hair and to send pictures of their underwear, between January 1 and July 7, 2021. Spence admitted to these allegations, confirming that he had engaged in such inappropriate communication.

Furthermore, Spence acknowledged that on July 7, 2021, he discussed his sexual preferences with the boys, offered to buy them underwear, and engaged in conduct that breached the peace at the bar. The court heard that Spence had a prior conviction related to similar offenses, which underscored the seriousness of his latest actions. The sheriff emphasized the breach of trust involved, given that Spence was considered a family friend and was entrusted with the care and well-being of the children.

As a result of his actions, Jason Spence was sentenced to 240 days in jail. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders' register for a period of five years, reflecting the gravity of his misconduct and the potential risk to the community. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding, especially when individuals in trusted positions abuse that trust for inappropriate and criminal purposes.