STEPHEN DUNCAN SHETLAND LIFEGUARD AND BUSINESSMAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS IN SHETLAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Shetland, Stephen Duncan, a 45-year-old man from Gott, has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to the sexual abuse of four young boys over a span of nearly two decades. The abuse, which took place between 1978 and 1995, involved boys aged between seven and 13, and the crimes were committed at various locations including the swimming pool in Lerwick, Duncan's own residence, and a caravan.

Details of the case emerged during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, revealing that Duncan, who was employed as a lifeguard and a manager at the Clickimin Leisure Complex, used his position of trust to exploit vulnerable children. The court was informed that Duncan had also engaged in making sexually explicit videos of the boys while working at the Shetland swimming pool. The victims were reportedly lured with gifts, including computer games, as part of Duncan’s manipulative tactics.

The crimes only came to light after one of the victims disclosed the abuse during a counseling session following a road accident. Duncan had previously pleaded guilty to charges of lewd practices and indecent assault involving the four boys, and he was subsequently placed on the sex offenders' register. It was also revealed that Duncan played a role in developing child protection policies at the Clickimin Leisure Complex, where he earned approximately £40,000 annually as a manager.

During the sentencing, Judge Lord Abernethy condemned Duncan’s actions as a severe breach of trust. He stated, “You were employed to keep them safe, but instead you took advantage of your position to abuse them. The effects on your victims are simply incalculable.” The judge acknowledged Duncan’s contributions to the community and noted that the impact of his crimes might be greater in a smaller, close-knit community like Shetland, where the repercussions are deeply felt.

Matthew Jackson, Duncan’s defense lawyer, expressed remorse on behalf of his client, emphasizing that Duncan understood the pain he had caused. Jackson also highlighted Duncan’s current hardships, including the loss of his job and impending bankruptcy. He added, “He is a classic example of a man who has lost it all as a result of his activities, and there are grave doubts whether he will ever be able to return home. His father is very ill, and when he saw him last, he knew it would be the last time they would see each other.”

At present, Stephen Duncan resides in Tingwall, where he runs the Shetland Memorials Headstone Business. He is also an approved stonemason registered with the Shetland Islands Council, a role that contrasts sharply with his criminal past and the betrayal of trust that led to his conviction.