MARTIN BUDGE CAITHNESS AND SUNDERLAND SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR ABUSING UNDERAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the communities of Caithness and Sunderland, Martin Budge has been sentenced to prison for engaging in a series of sexual offenses involving a minor. The incident dates back to a period when Budge, who is now residing in Hendon, Sunderland, was living in Caithness, specifically in the towns of Wick and Thurso.

According to court records, Budge first encountered his young victim when she was just beginning her secondary education. Over the course of approximately one year, the 21-year-old repeatedly met with the underage girl at various locations in Wick and Thurso, engaging in sexual activities with her despite being fully aware of her age. Their meetings were not limited to private encounters; they also exchanged explicit photographs via their mobile phones, further complicating the case.

The relationship persisted until the teenager discovered that Budge was on bail, having been accused of serious sex offenses. This revelation prompted her to cease contact, and the authorities were subsequently informed. It is important to note that the allegations initially made against Budge were later dropped by the Crown, but the evidence presented in court confirmed his involvement in illegal activities.

On the day of the hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Budge admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a minor between February 2014 and January of the following year. He also pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children and causing a child to view sexually explicit material. The court heard that Budge would often meet the young girl in wooded areas near Wick Airport, and on several occasions, they stayed at the residence of one of her friends.

During the proceedings, the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, disclosed that she had willingly participated in the relationship. The court was also informed that Budge, whose address is listed as 1 Toutie Street, Alyth, had no prior convictions of a similar nature. However, the severity of his actions was not taken lightly by the judiciary.

Sheriff William Summers expressed his grave concern over the case, emphasizing the inappropriate and illegal nature of the relationship. He stated, “It is of great concern that you had a sexual relationship with this girl during a time when she was only 14, over a period of 12 months. At that time, you were four or five years older than her. I can’t and I do not accept that at any point you did not know she was underage. You were aware of that and just carried on with complete disregard for her age.”

Given the gravity of the offenses, Sheriff Summers concluded that a community payback order would be insufficient. Instead, Martin Budge was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions and serving as a warning to others about the seriousness of such offenses.