MALCOLM STONE FROM NORTH KESSOCK ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON GIRL UNDER 10

In December 2018, a disturbing case unfolded at Inverness Sheriff Court involving Malcolm Stone, a 58-year-old resident of Ferry Brae, North Kessock. Stone was accused of sexually assaulting a young girl under the age of 10 within the confines of his own home. The incident, which took place between August 20 and September 5, involved inappropriate physical contact, including kissing the girl and handling her naked buttocks.

Stone, who is notably obese and walks with the aid of a walking stick, had been held in custody since early September following his arrest and subsequent admission of the offence. The court was informed that he had been remanded while authorities sought a suitable alternative accommodation for him, as Sheriff Gary Aitken refused to grant bail or sentence him until such arrangements were made.

During the hearing, it was revealed that social workers had successfully located alternative housing for Stone. Despite the gravity of the charges, Sheriff Aitken decided against imposing immediate imprisonment. Instead, he opted for a stringent community payback order (CPO) lasting three years, which coincides with the duration of Stone’s registration on the Sex Offender’s Register.

Under the terms of the order, Stone will be subject to close supervision by social workers and will be required to participate in a sex offender’s rehabilitation programme. Additionally, he is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16 and is barred from entering the street where he previously resided.

Sheriff Aitken emphasized the seriousness of the offence, stating, “This is an extremely serious charge and my first inclination was to confine you to custody for as long as was competent. But that would only release you into the community after a relatively short time. The best way of dealing with you so that you are not a danger to children is to impose an extensive CPO. You will then have the opportunity to address and remedy your attitudes towards children.”

The court had previously deferred sentencing to allow for a background and psychiatric assessment of Stone. The sheriff further warned him, “In the reports I have on you, you have sought to minimise your involvement in this matter. If you do not properly comply with this order, it will then be reported to this court, you will come back before me and you will be jailed for as long as I am allowed. This is your one and only chance. If there is any repeat offending, particularly with a child, you will be going to jail for a significant period of time.”

Overall, the court’s decision reflects a cautious approach, balancing the need for public safety with the possibility of rehabilitation for Malcolm Stone of North Kessock.