SHAME OF CHILD SEX CASE – 28-YEAR-OLD FOUND GUILTY AT AIRDRIE COURT
A 28-year-old man has been found guilty of sexually engaging with a 14-year-old child following proceedings at Airdrie Sheriff Court earlier this year.Ross Cowan was convicted of offences involving a child under the age of 16 and sentenced in February.
The court ordered him to complete 300 hours of unpaid community service and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register.
Under the terms of that order, Cowan must comply with strict notification requirements, including keeping police informed of his address and other personal details for the duration set by the court.
The age of consent in Scotland is 16.
Sexual engagement with a 14-year-old is a criminal offence under Scots law.
Courts treat such matters as serious due to the clear imbalance of age and vulnerability.
Despite the conviction and sentencing, the case received little attention in the local press.
Some observers argue that greater reporting of court outcomes is important in maintaining public awareness of safeguarding issues.
The conviction now forms part of the public court record.
Credit - SPARTAN CHILD PROTECTION TEAM
