KENNETH FINLAYSON FROM STORNOWAY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN THE WESTERN ISLES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Stornoway and the wider Western Isles, 63-year-old Kenneth Finlayson faced the court to answer for serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The proceedings took place at Stornoway Sheriff Court, where it was revealed that Finlayson had committed multiple offenses involving both a woman and a teenage girl during the year 2017.

According to court records, Finlayson had sexually assaulted a woman on two separate occasions, actions that caused significant distress and concern within the community. In addition to these assaults, he was also found to have sexually assaulted a teenage girl during the same period, raising alarm about the safety of vulnerable individuals in the area. The court heard detailed accounts of these incidents, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses and their impact on the victims.

Sheriff David Sutherland delivered the sentence, which included a community payback order designed to facilitate rehabilitation and ensure public safety. This order mandates that Finlayson undergo three years of social work supervision, during which he will participate in specialized programs focused on sex offender treatment and victim empathy. The court also imposed a requirement for him to complete 180 hours of unpaid community service, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions.

Furthermore, Finlayson was placed on the sex offenders register, a measure intended to monitor and manage his conduct moving forward. As part of the restitution process, he was ordered to pay financial compensation to the victims—£1,000 to the teenage girl and £200 to the woman—amounts that are to be paid weekly at a rate of £10. The sheriff underscored the importance of protecting the community, especially young girls, from such offenses, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and preventative measures.

During the proceedings, Finlayson’s legal representative stated that his client was in denial about the full extent of his actions but acknowledged that he had initially confessed to police. The lawyer also mentioned that Finlayson expressed remorse and recognized the wrongfulness of his conduct. A background report presented in court indicated a low risk of reoffending, and several community members provided references attesting to his respected status locally, which the court considered in its sentencing decision.