STUART KENNEDY, ABERDEEN SEX OFFENDER, BREACHES REGISTRATION RULES AFTER GUILTY VERDICT

Stuart Kennedy, an Aberdeen-based performer also known by the alias Sergeant Eros, was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women during a hen party held at The Cellar in May 2022. Following his conviction, Kennedy was required to register as a sex offender and was subsequently placed on the sex offenders register, a legal obligation for individuals convicted of such crimes.

After completing the registration process at a police station, Kennedy handed over his old passport as part of the documentation required. However, it was later revealed that he failed to notify the police about his new UK passport, which is a breach of the strict notification requirements imposed on registered sex offenders. The court heard that Kennedy was unaware of the necessity to disclose his new passport, believing mistakenly that he could not locate his old one, which led him to present it during the registration process.

His solicitor explained that there was no malicious intent behind Kennedy’s actions, emphasizing that he genuinely did not understand the obligation to inform the authorities about his new passport. Kennedy admitted to a single charge of failing to notify the police within three days about his new passport, which constitutes a breach of the notification rules. This breach was not accompanied by any malicious intent but was considered a violation of the legal requirements that must be followed by all registered offenders.

Sheriff Lesley Johnston accepted Kennedy’s explanation, noting that he now understands the importance of complying with the notification rules. Despite this, the court imposed a fine of £320 on Kennedy for his failure to adhere to the legal obligations. The court underscored that proper disclosure of any changes in personal details is mandatory for all sex offenders on the register, and any failure to do so can result in legal consequences, including fines or other penalties. The case serves as a reminder of the strict legal responsibilities that come with being on the sex offenders register and the importance of full compliance to avoid further legal issues.