JOHN MASTERMAN OF LESEID, MOSSBANK, REMANDED IN CUSTODY IN LERWICK
A sex offender accused of targeting teenage girls has been remanded in custody.John Masterman, aged 39 and residing in Leaside, Mossbank, pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly touching a girl in Lerwick during offenses committed between August 1 and August 31, 2018.
His offending continued in 2021 when he sexually assaulted another girl at an address in Lerwick between January and June, touching her sexually, kissing her on the lips, hugging her, and placing his hands on her.
On June 22, he pulled her onto his lap, pulled up her clothing, and kissed her.
Lerwick Sheriff Court was told that the second victim was particularly vulnerable, having recently experienced a bereavement.
Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie explained that police were called after the victim's mother became suspicious of Masterman's behaviour.
Masterman was taken to the police station for questioning.
During interview, he denied the allegations, claiming that any physical contact was meant to console his victim.
Defence lawyer Tommy Allan stated that Masterman had found work as a laborer since the offences and that this employment followed a period of unemployment.
He also said Masterman was complying with a community payback order and had not breached any bail conditions, being on bail since last year for these matters.
However, Sheriff Cruickshank was not convinced and ordered a social work report along with a restriction of liberty assessment.
The sheriff also informed Masterman that, due to the nature of the offences, he is subject to the notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.
The sheriff further stated that bail was revoked, and Masterman was to remain in custody.
His case is scheduled for sentencing on March 30.
