KAYLUM MCCLUNG FROM AYR AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SEXUAL OFFENSE INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Kaylum McClung, a teenage male from Ayr, appeared before Ayr Sheriff Court to face serious allegations related to a sexual incident involving a minor. At the time of the offence, McClung was just 16 years old. He pleaded guilty to encouraging a young girl to engage in sexual activity, which included instructing her to perform a sexual act on him and subsequently engaging in sexual intercourse with her. The incident took place in a wooded area on May 7, 2023, and the victim was only 13 years old at the time.

McClung, who is now 18, was subject to a sentencing that reflected his age and the circumstances surrounding the offence. Rather than facing immediate imprisonment or mandatory sex offender registration, the court opted for a community-based disposal. He was placed on a community payback order that requires him to undergo 18 months of social work supervision. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued, which will remain in effect for ten years, explicitly prohibiting him from making any contact with the victim.

The court acknowledged that both McClung and the girl knew each other prior to the incident. It was also noted that alcohol consumption and digital messaging played roles in the events leading up to the offence. Despite the gravity of the case, the sheriff emphasized that McClung showed genuine remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions. The judge described the incident as an isolated event and assessed that McClung posed a low risk of reoffending in the future.

In delivering the verdict, the court highlighted that, given the ages of those involved and the specific circumstances, a community-based disposal was deemed appropriate. The decision also took into account that no sex offender notification requirements would be necessary in this case, considering the factors involved. The case underscores the importance of tailored judicial responses to juvenile offenders, especially in sensitive cases involving minors and sexual conduct.