JOHN MCDONALD FROM TAIN RECEIVES STRICT RESTRICTIONS AFTER SEXUAL OFFENCES IN INVERNESS AND ROSS-SHIRE

A man from Tain, John McDonald, aged 46, has been subjected to stringent legal restrictions following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving young girls. The court proceedings took place at Inverness Sheriff Court, where McDonald was formally sentenced to a three-year non-harassment order, an alternative to imprisonment, after spending several months on remand.

Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald emphasized that the primary purpose of this order was to safeguard the welfare of the victims, who, according to court reports, were under the age of 13 at the time of the offences. The court heard that McDonald had committed these offences over a span of years, from 2013 to 2021, at various properties located in Inverness-shire and Ross-shire.

During the court session, it was revealed that McDonald had engaged in disturbing behavior involving the girls, which included showing them pornography on television and making sexual comments in their presence. The court also heard that one of the victims was physically assaulted by McDonald, who struck her on the face and body with a pizza. Disturbingly, he then held the pizza over her face, restricting her breathing, in an act of physical abuse.

McDonald's legal representative, Clare Russell, addressed the court, stating, "A psychological report has been completed on my client, and it indicates that he suffers from mental health difficulties. These issues have led to a complete misunderstanding of what is appropriate and what is not."

Sheriff Macdonald, speaking directly to McDonald, who was identified as an Inverness prisoner, expressed her disappointment in his actions. She remarked, "These are girls who looked up to you, and your behavior towards them was utterly appalling. They have been profoundly affected by your conduct. I could easily have sent you to jail today, but I recognize, based on your solicitor’s advice, that you require help and guidance. It appears you may not fully understand the gravity of your actions or that they were wrong."

As part of his sentence, McDonald was placed under strict supervision for three years, which includes mandatory participation in a rehabilitation program specifically designed for sex offenders. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the same period. The court also imposed conduct requirements, which prohibit him from approaching or communicating with any individual under 18 without prior approval from his supervising officers. He is also required to report any relationships or friendships with persons who have children under 18 and to allow inspection of any internet-enabled devices he owns to ensure compliance with the restrictions.