MALCOLM KENNEDY MICHIE CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN STIRLING

Malcolm Kennedy Michie, a shepherd residing at Farmestoun Cottage in Kilmahog, has been found guilty of committing multiple sexual assaults against three women at the Stirling Agricultural Centre. The conviction was handed down after a detailed two-day trial held at Stirling Sheriff Court, where Michie, aged 47, faced charges that he vehemently denied throughout the proceedings.

During the court session, evidence was presented from three women who accused Michie of inappropriate touching and deliberate sexual misconduct. The women provided testimony describing instances where Michie engaged in unwanted physical contact. One female worker recounted an incident on January 11 of the previous year, during which she was loading feed onto Michie’s Land Rover and was allegedly grabbed inappropriately. These accounts painted a disturbing picture of Michie’s conduct at the Agricultural Centre, a place where he was known to frequently visit and work with livestock.

Despite Michie’s insistence that he had never received any complaints and that he maintained a good relationship with the business, the court was convinced by the evidence and testimonies that he had committed deliberate sexual assaults. The court also considered psychological reports submitted as part of the case, which indicated that Michie struggled with understanding and processing questions, possibly affecting his ability to fully comprehend the allegations. However, the judge, Sheriff William Gilchrist, emphasized that the testimonies from the women were clear, straightforward, and credible.

Sheriff Gilchrist stated, “I don’t think these were all accidents, I think they were deliberate. Since they were deliberate, I am satisfied that they were assaults and that they only conceivable explanation for that was that they were sexual.” The seriousness of these allegations and the court’s findings underscore the gravity of Michie’s actions.

As part of the legal process, Michie’s sentencing has been postponed until September 9, allowing for a Social Work report to be prepared. The case has brought to light troubling allegations of sexual misconduct by a man with a long-standing connection to the Stirling area and its agricultural community. The court’s decision affirms the severity of the accusations and confirms Michie’s conviction for the sexual assaults, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims involved.