KENNETH MIDDLETON FROM INVERBERVIE SEX OFFENDER AFTER INDECENT ASSAULT ON TEENAGER OUTSIDE LOCAL CHIP SHOP

A 69-year-old man from Inverbervie has been placed on the sex offenders register following a disturbing incident involving a teenage girl outside a local chip shop. Kenneth Middleton appeared before Aberdeen Sheriff Court to face charges related to the assault, during which he admitted to inappropriate touching and making lewd comments.

According to court records, the incident took place around 7:30 pm on a quiet evening. The 17-year-old girl was waiting at a bus stop on King Street after leaving her friend's house. She arrived at the bus stop to find it deserted, with no other passengers around. As she stood waiting, Middleton approached her from nearby, attempting to initiate a conversation. He called her “darling,” a term that was unwelcome and uncalled for in this context.

Witnesses and the court heard that Middleton, who later admitted he was intoxicated at the time, continued to engage with the girl despite her apparent disinterest. Around 20 minutes later, at approximately 7:50 pm, Middleton exited a nearby establishment and called her “daring,” clearly showing signs of frustration. It was at this moment that he put his hand on her shoulder and then proceeded to grab her breast without her consent. The girl, understandably distressed and frightened, managed to break free from his grasp and quickly ran onto her waiting bus to escape the situation.

Middleton was charged with sexual assault, to which he pleaded guilty during the court hearing. His defense solicitor requested a social work report to be prepared before sentencing, citing the need for a comprehensive assessment of his background and circumstances. Sheriff Morag McLaughlin agreed to defer the sentencing until next month, emphasizing the importance of this report. Additionally, Middleton was ordered to be registered as a sex offender, a measure that underscores the seriousness of the offense.

Middleton's address was listed as David Street, Inverbervie, at the time of the court proceedings. The case highlights ongoing concerns about personal safety and the importance of strict legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual misconduct.