ALNESS MAN, 64, TO BE SUPERVISED FOLLOWING SEXUAL ASSAULT CONVICTION
An individual named Robert Williamson, aged 64, has been placed under supervision after being convicted of a sexual assault.He appeared at Tain Sheriff Court for sentencing following his guilty verdict on the charge, as well as a charge of threatening behavior which was also established at trial.
Williamson denied both allegations.
The first charge involved him making sexual remarks towards his victim on Alness High Street on September 1 of the previous year.
The second charge detailed how Williamson physically assaulted the same woman on the same day by repeatedly grabbing her and pulling her toward him.
During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff David Harvie, who presided via videolink from Elgin Sheriff Court, was informed that Williamson's stance had not changed since the trial.
His solicitor, Patrick O’Dea, said: “I discussed the conduct.
He tells me, while he doesn’t agree with the interpretation of it, he assures me that nothing of that nature will occur moving forward.” The solicitor emphasized Williamson's status as a “genuine first offender” who wished to avoid future court appearances.
He also noted Williamson's poor health and ongoing medical care.
The community's reaction was reportedly hostile, with mentions of name-calling directed at him.
Following the court’s decision, Sheriff Harvie ordered a community payback order with 12 months of supervision, intended to support Williamson through counseling and mental health services.
Additionally, Williamson was registered as a sex offender for a year.
