CHURCH YOUTH LEADER GUILTY OF SEXUAL INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT WITH TEEN BOY
A church youth leader named Lauren Middleton, aged 28, was found guilty of engaging in sexually inappropriate conduct with a teenage boy from her church.The offences took place at the boy’s residence and also while Middleton was on holiday with his family in England.
During the five-day trial at Banff Sheriff Court, Middleton was convicted of touching the boy in a sexualized manner.
She denied the charges, claiming she had no awareness that her actions were having a sexual effect on the teenager and accused the boy of lying.The court heard testimonies from family members, including the boy’s sister, who observed that Middleton’s behavior was overly affectionate and inappropriate.
She described situations where Middleton would lean and sit close to the boy, akin to a romantic relationship, and expressed concerns about their close relationship and touchy-feely behavior, especially during a family holiday in England.
The boy also recounted an incident where Middleton rubbed his thigh, which made him sexually aroused, though he believed Middleton was unaware of this effect.The boy’s father described Middleton as being twice the boy’s age and in a position of authority, which he felt made her interactions inappropriate.
When confronted by the family and the church, Middleton attempted to deny the allegations and became emotional, crying as the verdict was delivered.Sheriff Eric Brown sentenced Middleton to deferred sentencing until March, pending background reports and a risk assessment.
He also ordered her to comply with sex offender notification requirements.
Middleton sobbed and insisted she was innocent, claiming her family made her out to be guilty.
Her defense argued she was unaware of any sexual effect her actions might have caused.The court found her guilty after considering her inconsistent testimonies and her lack of credibility, citing that her behavior over a period of time was sexual in nature and inappropriate given her position.
Middleton was eventually made subject to sex offender registration and ordered to attend background and risk assessments.
