AVIEMORE CHIP SHOP OWNER SIMON HARKAI AVOIDS PRISON DESPITE SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Aviemore and the surrounding Highland region, Simon Harkai, the owner of the well-known Happy Haggis chip shop, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court to face serious allegations involving a minor. The proceedings revealed disturbing details about Harkai’s conduct, which included the possession of indecent images of a 14-year-old girl and inappropriate behavior within his shop premises.

Harkai, aged 41 and residing at Craig-An-Darach, High Street, Kingussie, pleaded guilty to charges that included possessing indecent photographs of the young girl and encouraging her to engage in sexual acts by kissing another teenage girl in his shop. The court was informed that the incidents took place at his business in Aviemore, a popular tourist destination in the Highlands, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.

The case was initially deferred for sentencing to allow for the preparation of a background report, as Harkai was considered a first-time offender. During the hearing, it was also noted that Harkai has been placed on the sex offenders register, a measure that underscores the severity of the allegations against him.

The court heard that the 14-year-old girl was a frequent visitor to the shop, and over time, her interactions with Harkai evolved from casual banter to flirtatious exchanges. The situation escalated when a 17-year-old girl, also present in the shop, took photographs on Harkai’s phone of the younger girl exposing her breasts. Authorities confirmed that a total of seven such images were stored on Harkai’s device.

Further disturbing details emerged when Harkai took both girls into his office within the shop and asked them provocative questions about what they would do for him. During this encounter, the two girls shared a kiss on the mouth, an act that has added to the gravity of the case. The incidents only came to light after the mother of the 14-year-old confiscated her phone as a disciplinary measure and discovered the inappropriate content. Concerned by what she found, she promptly contacted the police, leading to the investigation.

Harkai’s defense solicitor, Lorenzo Alonzi, described his client’s background as “glowing,” emphasizing that he is a father of two and a diligent worker. Alonzi also highlighted that Harkai has shown genuine remorse for his actions and is considered to pose a low risk of reoffending. The court was told that a community payback order, restricted to unpaid work, would be an appropriate sentence in this case.

Despite the guilty plea, Harkai maintained his innocence regarding certain charges, including taking indecent photographs of the 14-year-old girl and sending her text messages requesting sexual activity. He also denied making sexual remarks and causing her to view explicit images of a woman’s naked breasts. These denials were accepted by the prosecution during earlier hearings.

In a related case from March 2015, Harkai had previously admitted to similar offenses involving a schoolgirl, further highlighting the troubling pattern of behavior. The court had deferred sentencing at that time, pending a background report, and Harkai was also placed on the sex offenders register then. The case drew significant media attention, given Harkai’s reputation as a successful business owner in Aviemore.

In addition to the charges related to the minor, Harkai and his wife, Amanda, aged 26, faced accusations of possessing an obscene image involving bestiality. Both pleaded not guilty to this charge, which was accepted by the Crown. The case continues to be closely watched by the local community and authorities, as they seek justice and appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.