ROBERT SHEWAN GROAT SENTENCED IN SHELTAND TO COMMUNITY PAYBACK AND UNPAID WORK
An offender who sent indecent images of himself to girls under 16 via Snapchat has avoided jail.Robert Shewan Groat, aged 26, of South Road, Lerwick, was instead ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work after appearing in the Lerwick dock for sentencing.
Sheriff Philip Mann imposed this as part of an 18-month community payback order, and Groat will remain on the sex offenders register throughout this period.
Groat had previously admitted to sending images to four girls, deliberately causing girls aged between 13 and 15 to view sexual images of him, either naked or dressed only in underwear, as well as pictures of his genitals.
The incidents took place between July 1st and August 16th, 2014.
He also admitted to causing a 16-year-old girl to see a sexual image of him in underwear and exposing himself between August 1st and August 31st, 2014.
The offenses began after one of the girls added Groat on social media, which allows users to share pictures and communicate – initially about a rowing team Groat was starting.
The incidents occurred in Bressay and other locations within the Orkney Islands.
The case had been deferred for reports, with Groat warned that all sentencing options would be considered.
However, Sheriff Mann was convinced that a community-based disposal was appropriate.
Defence representative Tommy Allan stated that Groat had fully cooperated with the court proceedings and emphasized that the matter was on track for resolution early on.
He noted that contact was made with the victims’ families at an early stage, with apologies tendered.
Mr.
Allan added that Groat had been assessed as being at a low risk of re-offending and described him as being immature beyond his years.
He explained that Groat had experienced a very low mood due to personal issues, which led him to leave his former residence in search of a new start.
The lawyer acknowledged the stigma Groat faces for being involved in court proceedings for these offences and said he would have to work hard to recover from it.
Mr.
Allan highlighted that Groat had accepted responsibility early and had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
Sheriff Mann addressed Groat directly, saying: “This was a very, very serious series of offending.
It was quite unacceptable to subject these young girls to the photographs you sent to them via Snapchat.
It’s even more serious because these girls contacted you for innocent purposes.
Whether you were intoxicated or not, you took advantage of that, so it is a serious matter.” Nevertheless, the Sheriff acknowledged Groat’s status as a first-time offender and concluded that a custodial sentence was not necessary in this case.
