SHAUN MAWHINNEY FROM DUNDEE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL OFFENCES IN HILLTOWN AND ANGUS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Shaun Mawhinney, a 21-year-old man from the Hilltown area of Dundee, was found guilty of committing two serious sexual offences involving minors. Despite the gravity of his actions, Mawhinney was spared imprisonment, with the court opting for a community-based disposal instead.

The first incident took place at an Angus caravan park, where Mawhinney was accused of indecently touching a young child. The distressing event came to light when the child confided in their mother about the inappropriate contact. The court heard that this incident occurred between August 24, 2017, and August 9, 2018. Mawhinney admitted to causing a child to engage in sexual activity at the caravan park, which included indecent touching and performing a sex act. His actions were described as deeply troubling and have left a lasting impact on the victim and their family.

The second offence involved Mawhinney exposing himself to a second child while they were in a residence in Dundee. During this incident, Mawhinney told the child to 'look at this' before exposing himself with a smile and laughter, an act that understandably caused significant distress. The second child was quick to inform an adult about what had happened, prompting police involvement. The exposure occurred between April 1, 2015, and April 30, 2018. Mawhinney refused to comment when questioned by authorities following his arrest.

During the court proceedings, it was noted that Mawhinney was a first-time offender, which the judge considered when determining the sentence. Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but ultimately decided on a community disposal, emphasizing Mawhinney’s personal difficulties as a mitigating factor. As part of his sentence, Mawhinney was placed under a supervision order for three years, required to participate in the Tay Project rehabilitation scheme for sex offenders, and perform 230 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of three years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

The case has raised concerns about the safety of children in the Dundee and Angus areas, highlighting the importance of vigilance and community support in preventing such offences. The court’s decision reflects a balance between punishment and rehabilitation, aiming to protect the public while giving Mawhinney an opportunity to address his personal issues.