PHILLIP MOIR FROM INVERNESS FACES DELAYED SENTENCE AND POSSIBLE SEXUAL HARM PREVENTION ORDER

A 40-year-old man from Inverness, identified as Phillip Moir, has once again seen his sentencing postponed by a sheriff who is currently contemplating the imposition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Phillip Moir, residing in Sinclair Park, was scheduled to appear before Inverness Sheriff Court for sentencing following the preparation of a detailed background report. However, Sheriff Gary Aitken decided to delay the proceedings, informing defence solicitor Marc Dickson that, aside from the report’s recommendation for a rehabilitation program, he was also considering the implementation of a SHPO to prevent future offenses.

Sheriff Aitken granted Mr. Dickson additional time to review the case and any representations he might wish to make. Moir is now set to reappear in court on November 22 to address these matters.

Earlier in the proceedings, it was revealed that Moir had immediately issued an apology via text message after an incident involving a teenage girl five years prior. The incident involved Moir touching the girl inappropriately while she was lying on her bed. The court was informed that the offense was reported to police two years later, in 2019, after the victim confided in a teacher.

According to court reports, Moir was charged with a sexual offense for touching the girl intimately while babysitting at a property in Inverness. Fiscal depute Pauline Gair told Sheriff Sara Matheson, who was presiding at the time, that Moir’s apology came shortly after the incident was reported. In the message, Moir admitted to the wrongdoing, stating, “R u ok? I shouldn’t have done what I did. I am really sorry. I just realised how inappropriate it was. I am such a fool. Really sorry. Please forgive me.”

Following the report, police took Moir into custody, and he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register. The duration of his registration will be determined at the upcoming sentencing hearing. Moir’s bail conditions were maintained, allowing him to remain free until the court proceedings are concluded.