ALEX LITTLE SHAMES METHILL IN SEXUAL ASSAULT AT FUNERAL HOME

A funeral director from Fife, identified as Alex Little, has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years following a disturbing incident of sexual assault that occurred in Methil. The case was brought before Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where Little, aged 48, pleaded guilty to the charges related to his inappropriate conduct towards a woman in her home on May 6 of this year.

According to court records, Little admitted to engaging in acts of sexual misconduct that included cuddling the victim, unclipping her bra, and fondling her breasts while she was heavily intoxicated and unable to give consent. The assault took place at her residence in Methil, a town in Fife, and the incident was characterized by the court as opportunistic. Sheriff Timothy Niven-Smith described the assault as occurring when Little took advantage of the woman’s state of sleep and intoxication, emphasizing the breach of trust and personal safety involved.

During the hearing, it was noted that Little was not sentenced to jail time but was instead ordered to perform unpaid work as part of his punishment. The court’s decision was influenced by the circumstances surrounding the case, including Little’s previous guilty plea and the nature of the offense.

The background of the incident reveals that the woman had been out drinking with friends in the Levenmouth area prior to the events. She met Little during this night out, and the mood was described as jovial before she and her friend took a taxi home, continuing to drink. Later in the night, Little contacted her via phone, and she permitted him to come to her address. Prosecutor Amy Robertson explained that between 3 am and 4:30 am, the woman had gone to bed without informing Little or her friend, and Little then said he was going upstairs and bid her good night.

Her friend remained downstairs for about half an hour, waiting for a taxi to take her home, and did not see Little again before leaving. The following morning, at around 9 am, the woman awoke to find Little lying on her bed beside her. She observed that her bra had been unclipped at the back, exposing her breasts, and her body suit was also unclipped. Shocked and distressed, she quickly got out of bed and told Little he needed to leave her home.

Further details emerged when Little sent the woman a message via Facebook two days later, referencing the night’s events. The woman responded with confusion about how Little had ended up staying at her house. Little replied in a message, admitting to laying on her bed and giving her a cuddle, expressing remorse and calling himself stupid. He also confessed to feeling her chest and apologized sincerely for his actions.

The woman then took screenshots of these messages and contacted the police. During the court proceedings, her legal representative, Janice Green, explained that Little was a first-time offender from Kennoway, living on Pentland Drive. She highlighted that someone close to the woman had encouraged Little to believe there might be a romantic interest, though she clarified that the woman did not lead him on. The defense also pointed out that Little’s impaired judgment due to alcohol and his personal difficulties at the time—such as separation from his partner and ongoing divorce—may have influenced his behavior.

Ms Green emphasized that Little’s conduct was entirely out of character, noting his involvement in community activities, charity work, and support for his local football team. She expressed that he was deeply remorseful, as evidenced by the messages he sent.

In sentencing, Sheriff Niven-Smith acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, describing Little’s actions as highly reckless. He stressed that alcohol consumption does not serve as a defense for such behavior. While there were no physical injuries inflicted on the victim, the sheriff highlighted the gravity of the assault occurring within her own home, a place where she should feel safe. The sheriff pointed out the particular difficulty victims face when assaulted in their personal space, comparing it to assaults in public venues like swimming pools or leisure centers, where victims might avoid returning.

Although Little’s actions warranted a custodial sentence, the sheriff decided that a short prison term—up to 12 months—would be appropriate given his lack of prior convictions, good character, and work ethic. Nonetheless, the court’s decision underscores the importance of accountability and the need to address such offending behavior seriously.