ADAM BURNETT FROM SHETLAND SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LEIRICK

A 28-year-old man from Lerwick, Shetland, Adam Burnett, also known as Adam Wood, has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison following a serious and premeditated sexual assault. The court proceedings took place at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, where Sheriff Ian Cruickshank delivered the verdict and imposed additional measures to monitor Burnett’s conduct moving forward.

Sheriff Cruickshank described the assault as both sustained and deeply concerning, emphasizing that it involved digital penetration. He pointed out that the attack was not impulsive but carefully planned, with Burnett having taken steps to carry out the assault deliberately. The sheriff also noted that during the incident, there was an element of restraint used by Burnett, which prevented the victim from leaving the room where the assault occurred. This detail underscores the coercive nature of the attack and the control Burnett exerted over his victim.

While acknowledging that alcohol played a role in disinhibiting Burnett’s actions, Sheriff Cruickshank stated that the evidence suggested a level of premeditation. Given Burnett’s previous conviction of a similar nature, the court found no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. The seriousness of the offence, combined with Burnett’s criminal history, left the court with little choice but to send him to prison.

The court heard that Burnett, residing on Robertson Crescent in Lerwick, had assaulted his victim on a sofa after a night out in town in November 2022. During the attack, he sent a message to a friend beforehand, claiming he would have sex with the woman “and she doesn’t even know it,” indicating a disturbing level of premeditation.

Details of the assault revealed that Burnett forcibly touched the victim under her clothing, repeatedly attempted to kiss her, and forced her hand onto his naked penis. He also tried to penetrate her vagina with his fingers and attempted to force his penis inside her clothing. Throughout the ordeal, the victim repeatedly told him “no” and fought him off with all her strength, highlighting her resistance and distress.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan described the case as a difficult plea of mitigation. He acknowledged the profound invasion of the victim’s personal boundaries and the distress caused by Burnett’s actions. Mr. Allan emphasized that Burnett did not wish to blame anyone else or the victim herself, making it clear that the responsibility for the assault lay solely with him.

He explained that Burnett did not go to the victim’s address with the intent to commit a sexual offence but was attracted to her and wanted to be with her. The solicitor argued that the assault was a misguided attempt that would have ended any potential relationship, even if Burnett’s perception of that possibility was flawed. Mr. Allan also pointed out that Burnett had misjudged the situation, failing to read the cues from the victim and not considering her feelings or boundaries.

Reports presented to the court indicated that Burnett was aware he had crossed a line and expressed deep remorse for his actions. The solicitor highlighted that alcohol had been a recurring factor in Burnett’s offending history, but he had since stopped drinking to address these issues.

In addition to his prison sentence of 35 months, Burnett will be subject to a 12-month supervised release order. This order means that if he reoffends during this period, he could be returned to jail. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the offence and the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent future harm.