ALAN INNES FROM MUSSELBURGH SENTENCED FOR ONLINE SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Musselburgh, Alan Innes, a man residing on Eskview Crescent, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and illegal online communications with a young girl. The incident, which took place over several months, involved Innes initiating contact with a 14-year-old schoolgirl through the social media platform Snapchat. He soon escalated the conversation by requesting that she send him explicit photographs of herself, a demand that is both illegal and deeply concerning given her age.

Innes, who was employed at a care home for the elderly, also sent a series of sexually explicit messages to the girl, discussing sexual activities and behaviors. These messages revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior directed at a minor, raising serious questions about his conduct and the safety of vulnerable individuals in his community.

When Innes appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month, he admitted to the charges against him. The court proceedings continued into the following week, with Innes returning to the dock for sentencing last Friday. Sheriff Michael O’Grady QC acknowledged that Innes had shown what he described as “a genuine level of remorse” for his actions. Recognizing the seriousness of the offense but also considering the defendant’s remorse, the sheriff decided to take an “exceptional step” by avoiding a custodial sentence.

Instead of imprisonment, Innes was placed on the sex offenders’ register and was subject to a supervision order for the next 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid community service, a measure aimed at rehabilitation and community safety. The court’s decision reflects a nuanced approach, balancing the gravity of the offense with the defendant’s apparent remorse and willingness to comply with legal restrictions.

The charges against Innes specifically involved him repeatedly sending written sexual communications to a girl under the age of 16. The messages, exchanged between March 21 and 28 of the previous year, included requests for the girl to send him intimate images and discussions about engaging in sexual activities at his residence. These actions constitute serious criminal offenses under Scottish law, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors from exploitation and abuse.

Earlier in June 2019, Innes had also pleaded guilty to asking a young teenage girl for intimate photos of herself. This incident further underscored the pattern of predatory behavior. During that court appearance, he admitted to sending messages to the girl, who was under 16, and discussing sexual activities with her through online communication. The court also accepted a plea of not guilty to a separate charge of possessing cannabis at his home, which was dismissed.

Innes’s case highlights ongoing concerns about online safety and the exploitation of minors. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity to prevent such cases from escalating. The community of Musselburgh is urged to remain alert and supportive of efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from similar threats in the future.