LEWIS FINDLAY SCOUTMASTER FROM BO’NESS INVOLVED IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASE IN WEST LOTHIAN

In August 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Lewis Findlay, a Scoutmaster from Bo’ness, West Lothian, who was found guilty of repeatedly abusing a teenage girl and engaging in unlawful sexual activities with her. The case was heard at Falkirk Sheriff Court, revealing a pattern of grooming and exploitation that spanned several months and involved multiple instances of sexual misconduct.

According to court proceedings, the girl, who was only 15 years old at the time, had known Findlay since she was 12. Initially, she believed that his interest in her was benign, perhaps rooted in support or mentorship. However, this perception was shattered when, in November 2018, the Scout leader made unwelcome advances at his home in Bo’ness, West Lothian. At that time, Findlay’s girlfriend was abroad, and his mother was also away, leaving the two alone in the house. During this visit, while they sat together watching a film on his bed, Findlay told her, “just let it happen,” as he made sexual advances towards her.

Prosecutor Alex Kirk detailed that the girl was hesitant and uncomfortable during the incident but felt pressured to comply because she did not want to create an awkward situation. The following month, Findlay engaged in full sexual intercourse with her again, this time in his car parked in a layby. Over time, the relationship escalated, and the girl believed they were “seeing each other,” although it was a clear abuse of her trust and innocence. The court heard that the pair had sexual encounters approximately twice a month, often in secluded laybys on back roads in Stirlingshire and West Lothian.

In early 2019, the girl confided in another adult about the abuse, who encouraged her to report the matter to authorities. Despite her initial refusal, the adult later reported the incidents himself. Following this, Findlay was suspended by the Scout Association. However, when police and social workers interviewed the girl, she denied the allegations, complicating the investigation. After a brief period of silence, the abuse resumed, but the situation took a darker turn when, towards the end of August 2019, Findlay began buying lingerie for her and sending her pictures of the items. The girl was coerced into dressing up in lingerie on one occasion, despite her reluctance, and when she initially said “no,” Findlay persisted until she agreed. Mrs. Kirk noted that this incident made the girl realize how much older and more manipulative Findlay was becoming.

She eventually blocked Findlay on Snapchat, but he continued to contact her through text messages and Facebook Messenger, which caused her significant distress. One particularly lengthy message from Findlay included a list of fifty things he claimed to love about her, further stressing her and leaving her feeling overwhelmed. By this point, the girl was described as “stressed and unsure of what to do.”

In November 2019, the Scout leaders became aware of the ongoing messaging and concluded that a sexual relationship was still active. Police were called once again, and in February 2020, Findlay was formally charged. Now aged 24 and working as an Amazon worker, he pleaded guilty to charges of stalking and engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with the girl.

Judge Simon Collins QC sentenced Findlay to 300 hours of unpaid community service, placed him under social work supervision, and ordered him to register as a sex offender for three years. Additionally, he was mandated to participate in the Scottish Government’s “Moving Forward, Making Changes” programme for sex offenders if directed and was prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with children under 16. Findlay arrived at court with a packed bag, seemingly prepared for jail, but refused to comment when approached by reporters as he left the courthouse. The case highlights the serious issues of grooming and exploitation within community organizations and underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding for vulnerable young people in West Lothian and beyond.