SEX OFFENDER WALKS FREE WITH COMMUNITY ORDER AFTER SHERIFF COURT HEARING
A convicted offender has avoided prison after appearing before Stranraer Sheriff Court, sparking concern over the outcome of the case.Mark Leetham was dealt with at court on 11 February 2026, where he was handed a Community Payback Order rather than a custodial sentence.
The court heard that the order is intended to both punish and rehabilitate, requiring the offender to work with authorities and address his behaviour.
As part of the ruling, Leetham has been placed under supervision for 12 months and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work within six months.
Officials made clear that failure to comply with the order could see him hauled back before the courts.
In a further development, Leetham will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 12 months, meaning he will be monitored by specially trained police officers.
The level of monitoring will depend on the risk he is assessed to pose to the public.
