EAST KILBRIDE SEX OFFENDER KEPT QUIET ABOUT RELATIONSHIP WITH NEW WOMAN
A person considered a high-risk sex offender may face re-imprisonment after neglecting to inform authorities that he was dating a woman.This marks the second instance in which William Melville, from East Kilbride, failed to notify police about a new romantic partner.
Additionally, he formed a friendship with another sex offender without obtaining prior police approval.
Melville, aged 36, appeared before Hamilton Sheriff Court this week to face these allegations.
He pleaded guilty to two violations of a sexual offences prevention order issued in 2020.
Prosecutor Daisy Bentley explained that, under this order, Melville was required to notify police of any new intimate relationships and was also forbidden from associating with other sex offenders without approval.
Ms.
Bentley further stated that a male sex offender informed police that he had become friendly with Melville, having met him in prison, and that Melville had a girlfriend.
The court was told by Ms.
Bentley: “Melville is classified as a high-risk offender.
Police visited his residence on February 2 this year and found him there with his new partner.
She was aware of his convictions and his status within the community.
The officers also discovered the contact details of another sex offender on Melville’s phone.” Defence attorney Ian Scott described Melville’s failure to report his friendship with the other sex offender as “a lapse in judgment.” Mr.
Scott explained: “He did not perceive any harm in being friendly with this individual.
He stated that his relationship with his girlfriend began on social media in late January, and he wanted to see how it developed.
It was an oversight not to inform the police about it.
He considers this relationship to be healthy, and those monitoring him in the community are comfortable with it.
Perhaps an alternative to custody could be considered.” Sheriff John Hamilton KC postponed sentencing until next month to allow for background reports and a risk assessment.
Melville’s bail was extended.
In January of the previous year, Melville was sentenced to 16 months in prison for failing to notify authorities about a relationship with another woman.
He had previously served two prison terms—15 months and 27 months—for sex offences involving minors.
In 2023, he was also imprisoned twice for breaching court orders.
