SCOTTISH BORDERS RUGBY TEAM MANAGER STEVEN DYER CONVICTED OF INDECENT ACTS INVOLVING SCHOOLBOYS

Steven Dyer, a manager associated with a Scottish Rugby Union team in the Scottish Borders, has been found guilty of serious misconduct involving minors during a youth training camp in 2023. The conviction stems from a series of disturbing incidents where Dyer engaged in inappropriate communication and shared explicit content with schoolboys who were part of the youth squad.

During a trial held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Dyer was convicted of three separate offences related to intentional indecent communication, which took place between February and October of 2023. The court heard that Dyer's actions included sending sexually explicit images and making lewd comments to the young boys, actions that have caused significant concern and distress among the victims.

Sheriff Daniel Kelly, presiding over the case, described the victims as credible and reliable witnesses, emphasizing the seriousness of the misconduct. The court noted that Dyer attempted to downplay or minimize his behavior during the proceedings, but the evidence presented was compelling. Among the evidence was a Snapchat group where Dyer posted inappropriate videos, including footage of himself urinating and licking his finger, which the boys found embarrassing and wholly inappropriate for someone in his position.

One of the victims disclosed that Dyer had sent him an explicit image depicting sexual intercourse and had made comments about his penis size, further highlighting the disturbing nature of the misconduct. The case was brought to light after a parent of one of the boys raised concerns and contacted the authorities, prompting an investigation.

In his defense, Dyer claimed that the messages were merely casual 'rugby banter' and denied any sexual intent behind his actions. He described his conduct as 'rudeness' rather than anything malicious. Despite his claims, the court found the communication to be inappropriate and unacceptable, leading to his placement on the sex offenders register on an interim basis. Sentencing has been deferred until March, pending further reports.

At the time of the incident, Dyer was employed as a hotel manager. Following the police investigation, he also lost his previous position at Lloyds Banking Group. The Scottish Rugby Union clarified that Dyer was a contracted volunteer rather than a full-time employee, but confirmed that he had no safeguarding training, which could have potentially prevented such misconduct. The court acknowledged that the victims were left deeply affected by Dyer’s actions, underscoring the gravity of the case and the importance of safeguarding measures in youth sports environments.