ALEXANDER MCLEOD SHAMES JOHNSTONE AND TROON IN SHOCKING PUBLIC FLASHING INCIDENT

In January 2021, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Alexander McLeod, a man with ties to both Johnstone and Troon, who was convicted of exposing himself in a highly inappropriate manner. The events took place at McLeod's workplace, Johnstone Art & Framing, located on High Street in Johnstone, Renfrewshire.

On the morning of November 5th last year, a man, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, visited the store around 10 a.m. with the purpose of putting up a poster on the shop’s door. McLeod granted permission for the poster to be displayed and then asked the visitor to watch the shop temporarily while he checked for any incoming customers. During this brief period, the victim noticed McLeod retreating to the back of the store and hiding in an alcove.

It was then that McLeod was observed with his trousers at his ankles, exposing his genitals in a sexual manner. He proceeded to make an inappropriate sexual remark, asking the victim if he wanted to perform a sex act on him. The victim, clearly uncomfortable and asserting his heterosexuality by stating, “I’m not gay, mate,” quickly left the store. He later confided in a friend, who was also present at the time, about the incident.

Subsequently, the victim and his friend returned to confront McLeod. During this confrontation, McLeod claimed that he had been merely fixing himself and that his genitals had fallen out of his pants. The situation escalated when McLeod called his partner to report that men were causing trouble in the shop. His partner then contacted the police, leading to McLeod’s arrest.

McLeod, who was formerly residing in Kirkintilloch, West Dunbartonshire, and at the time of the trial was living in Troon, Ayrshire, faced charges at Paisley Sheriff Court. He was found guilty of breaching Section 8 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, which involves exposing one’s genitals in a sexual manner with the intent that they be seen by another person, coupled with making a sexual remark and handling himself inappropriately.

The court heard that the victim had experienced some difficulties, and the incident was described as potentially very traumatic for him. Initially, the sheriff considered imposing a Community Payback Order involving unpaid work. However, due to McLeod’s circumstances, including his inability to perform unpaid work, the sheriff decided on a monetary penalty instead.

On Tuesday, McLeod appeared in court to learn his sentence. Sheriff David Pender ordered him to pay a fine of £500, describing the offence as “stupid.” The sheriff also noted that McLeod would not be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, reflecting the court’s assessment of the case.

This case highlights the serious nature of public indecency and sexual misconduct, and the legal consequences faced by individuals who commit such acts in public spaces, especially in local communities like Johnstone and Troon.