JONATHAN GREARSON SHOCKS ANNAN WITH SOCIAL MEDIA RECONTACT AFTER SEX OFFENDER SENTENCE

In November 2016, a disturbing case unfolded involving Jonathan David Grearson, a man with a troubling criminal history linked to the town of Annan. Grearson, aged 57 at the time, had previously been convicted and sentenced to four years in prison in 2008 for multiple counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. These offenses were committed while he was residing in west Cumbria, and as part of his punishment, he was subjected to a strict sexual offences prevention order. This order was designed to prevent any contact with the victim, who was a teenage girl at the time of the original crimes, and it was set to remain in effect indefinitely.

Despite the legal restrictions, Grearson violated the terms of this order by attempting to establish contact with the now adult victim through social media platforms. His actions came to light when the victim, overwhelmed by the encounter, reported the incident to the police. The woman described feeling physically ill, shocked, and unable to believe that Grearson had reached out to her again. She was visibly shaken, beginning to tremble and cry as she recounted her experience.

Following her report, police officers interviewed Grearson, who attempted to downplay his actions, claiming he had acted out of curiosity. However, prosecutor Antony Longworth emphasized that Grearson’s attempt was a deliberate breach of the court order, and his actions had a significant emotional impact on the victim. The woman’s reaction was severe; she experienced uncontrollable shaking and anxiety, which led her to seek medical attention from her general practitioner. The incident not only caused her immediate distress but also had repercussions in her personal life, highlighting the profound effect of Grearson’s breach.

Grearson’s defense lawyer, Paul Tweddle, explained that his client, who was working night shifts and residing at The Green, Eastriggs, Annan, was deeply anxious about the potential consequences of the case. Despite this, the court found the breach to be a serious violation of the court’s order and the victim’s safety.

Judge Peter Davies, after considering all the evidence, sentenced Grearson to 18 months in prison, though this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, Grearson was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service and adhere to a three-month electronically monitored daytime curfew. In addressing Grearson directly, Judge Davies remarked that his actions served as a stark reminder of his past offenses and the harm caused to the victim, emphasizing the gravity of breaching court orders in cases involving sexual offenses.