STEVE MCMASTER FROM AYRSHIRE SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEX OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN AND TEENS

A man named Steven McMaster, known to have connections to Ayrshire, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after a series of disturbing sexual offences that have left the community deeply shaken. The 42-year-old offender was found guilty of multiple serious crimes involving young victims and adult women, highlighting the dangerous nature of his actions and the threat he posed to public safety.

McMaster's criminal conduct included a range of sexual assaults on minors under the age of 16, as well as persistent inappropriate communications with adult females. The court heard that he had sexually assaulted a teenage girl at a residence in Cumnock, and during various car journeys at unspecified locations. During these incidents, he was reported to have seized the girl by the waist and pressed his body and private parts against her, actions that caused significant distress and fear.

Furthermore, McMaster admitted to repeatedly placing his hand on the thigh of the same girl during car rides between April 2022 and July 2023. His offences extended to another teenage girl, whom he assaulted at a property in Cumnock and in an alleyway, where he was said to have repeatedly grabbed her and dragged her on at least one occasion between April and July 2023. These acts demonstrated a pattern of predatory behaviour aimed at vulnerable young victims.

In addition to his assaults on minors, McMaster pleaded guilty to a series of sexual communications directed at adult women. One such woman received messages from him on Snapchat, in which he commented on her appearance, stating she looked “sexy in her leggings,” and expressed a desire to kiss and cuddle her. The court was shown evidence that McMaster had also looked at her in her bedroom and sent her messages describing her as “sexy” and “beautiful,” along with explicit comments about her clothing and body. On one occasion, he sent a nude photograph of himself to her.

Another female victim reported receiving several lewd messages from McMaster about her private parts. She told police that she did not understand why he was sending these messages, which she found unwelcome and distressing. McMaster’s actions prompted her to contact law enforcement, and police recovered screenshots of the messages and images he had sent.

McMaster’s arrest followed these disclosures, and police at Kilmarnock police station confirmed that he was under investigation for the sexual assaults. The court was informed that he had been arrested and taken into custody after the victims came forward.

During the sentencing hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court, the seriousness of McMaster’s offences was emphasized. The court heard that one of the young victims was left crying and visibly distressed after being assaulted, and that she managed to escape from his attempt to drag her into an alleyway, though she was left shaken and frightened.

The prosecution highlighted the predatory nature of McMaster’s conduct, noting that his repeated attempts to assault and manipulate victims demonstrated a clear pattern of dangerous behaviour. The court was also told about the disturbing messages he sent to adult women, which included explicit language and images, further illustrating his predatory tendencies.

In his defence, solicitor Derek Pettigrew acknowledged the gravity of the offences, stating that McMaster, now 42, had distanced himself from his community and recognized the seriousness of his actions. He added that no further issues had come to light and that McMaster was genuinely remorseful.

However, Sheriff Scott Pattison was unequivocal in his assessment of the case. He described McMaster’s conduct as “very serious,” particularly noting the attempted abduction of one victim and the repeated offences against children. The sheriff stated that such behaviour posed a significant risk to women and children and that a custodial sentence was unavoidable.

As a result, McMaster was sentenced to an extended term of four and a half years in prison, with three years to be served behind bars. Additionally, he was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from contacting children or entering parks. He was also registered on the sex offenders register indefinitely and subjected to non-harassment orders from all four victims involved in the case.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns about sexual predation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community awareness in protecting vulnerable individuals from such dangerous offenders.