SHANE COWAN JAIL TIME IN JEDBURGH FOR STALKING AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

A resident of Jedburgh, Shane Cowan, has been sentenced to over 14 months in prison at Selkirk Sheriff Court following his appearance on five separate criminal charges. The 28-year-old man’s legal troubles stem from a series of disturbing incidents that spanned several months within the town.

Three months prior to his sentencing, Cowan was granted a high-tariff structured deferred sentence, which was intended to serve as a probationary period during which he was expected to demonstrate good behavior and stay out of trouble. However, Cowan failed to adhere to the conditions of this order, breaching the terms set by the court. As a result, when he appeared before Sheriff Peter Paterson from custody, the judge imposed a custodial sentence totaling 444 days, reflecting the seriousness of his violations.

The court heard that Cowan had pleaded guilty to engaging in a stalking campaign against a woman in various locations across Jedburgh. The incidents occurred between November 5, 2022, and May 10, 2023, during which Cowan repeatedly approached and confronted the woman despite her clear requests for him to stop. His actions included attempts to hand her a letter, sing a song to her, and offer her confectionery, all of which contributed to her fear and alarm. These persistent behaviors caused significant distress to the victim and were deemed to be a course of conduct likely to cause her fear.

In addition to the stalking charges, Cowan admitted to other serious offences. On August 16, at the Co-op on High Street in Jedburgh, he communicated indecently with a woman, made sexual remarks towards her, and sexually assaulted two 16-year-old girls on the same day. These allegations further compounded his criminal record and highlighted a pattern of inappropriate and unlawful conduct.

Furthermore, Cowan pleaded guilty to obstructing police officers, breaching the peace, and violating his bail conditions. These additional charges underscored a series of violations that demonstrated a disregard for the law and the safety of others in the community.

Shane Cowan, who resides on Blackhills Close, Castlegate, now faces a significant period behind bars as a consequence of his actions. His case has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of personal safety and the importance of enforcing strict penalties for offenders who threaten the peace and security of residents in Jedburgh.