JOCK SHEPHERD REVEALED IN STANLEY: SCOTLAND'S DANGEROUS SEX OFFENDER RETURNS NEAR PRIMARY SCHOOL

In October 1999, the quiet village of Stanley in Perthshire was shaken by the disturbing return of Jock Shepherd, a 77-year-old man with a long and notorious history of child sexual offenses. Despite his age and the severity of his past crimes, Shepherd was released from prison and allowed to return to his residence in Stanley, a decision that has sparked outrage among local residents and parents alike.

Shepherd’s home is situated merely yards from a primary school, a proximity that has caused significant concern among parents and community members. The elderly man, known for his sinister behavior, has been observed lurking in the shadows of his house, reportedly tapping on windows in what many describe as sick and predatory attempts to attract innocent children passing by. This behavior has deeply frightened the children who walk past his property daily, especially those attending the nearby school, which is just 200 yards away.

Parents in the community have expressed their distress and fear, claiming that Shepherd’s presence has effectively turned their children into prisoners within their own homes. Many have started petitions demanding that authorities relocate Shepherd to a different area, citing the danger he poses to the safety of their children. The community’s fears are compounded by the fact that Shepherd’s return has rekindled traumatic memories for victims and their families.

A mother whose 10-year-old daughter was one of Shepherd’s victims shared her anguish, revealing how her child is now haunted by nightmares and trauma. She tearfully explained, “My daughter has gone through hell because of this beast. Now she’s having nightmares all over again. She’s completely traumatised.”

Shepherd’s criminal record spans over two decades, with convictions dating back to 1975. He was sentenced to a year in jail at Perth Sheriff Court, but it was revealed during sentencing that he had served only six months of his sentence before insisting on returning to his old home. Despite social workers’ pleas for him to relocate, Shepherd moved back into his flat, which is dangerously close to the village school and the scene of his previous offenses.

His return has caused widespread alarm. The mother of another victim described how Shepherd’s presence has reintroduced a sense of terror into the community. “He put my girl through the most sickening ordeal imaginable,” she said. “We’ve got a life sentence trying to come to terms with this, but he only served six months. He was so cunning. He even warned my girl that if she told on him, she’d be put into a home and she’d never see her mum and dad again. I can’t let my little girl out of my sight now. She’s terrified she’ll come face to face with him.”

Legal measures have been taken to restrict Shepherd’s movements, including a ban from approaching young girls, as a sheriff deemed him to be extremely dangerous. However, efforts to find alternative accommodation for Shepherd have been unsuccessful. A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council stated, “It is clear to all concerned that it is in everyone’s interests for this individual to be given alternative accommodation. He has turned down this offer and we have no legal recourse at the present time.”

Community members, especially parents like Allison, who has launched a petition against Shepherd’s presence, remain deeply concerned. She expressed her fears, saying, “While he was in jail, my son was able to play outside. Now it’s the kids who are prisoners. Shepherd used to walk to the school every day. No-one knew about his sick past. We all thought he was just a lonely old man. We feel we’re living with a time bomb. He’s already back to his tricks, tapping on the windows and watching all the kids.”

The situation in Stanley continues to be tense, with residents demanding action to ensure their children’s safety. Despite the community’s efforts and legal restrictions, Shepherd remains in the area, and the community’s fears of further harm persist as they await further measures to protect their children from this dangerous individual.