ALISTAIR MACCORQUODALE FROM ALVA ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN CLACKMANNANSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Alva and the wider Clackmannanshire area, 65-year-old Alistair MacCorquodale narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of inappropriate and distasteful conduct towards young women during his role as a driving instructor. The incident, which took place in October of the previous year, involved MacCorquodale making unsolicited and suggestive advances towards a pregnant young woman, as well as engaging in inappropriate physical contact with two other female clients.

According to court proceedings, the troubling behavior began when MacCorquodale contacted a 20-year-old woman in the early hours of the morning. During this phone call, he made an overtly flirtatious remark, stating, "When you next come we can have some fun for free lessons." This comment was interpreted by the young woman as a sexual proposition, especially given the context of her pregnancy and her financial situation. MacCorquodale later claimed that he was merely offering to teach her some driving manoeuvres, dismissing the comment as innocent. However, the sheriff overseeing the case was not convinced by his explanation, describing his conduct as "quite distasteful and highly unpleasant."

The court found MacCorquodale guilty of sending an indecent electronic message, an offence under the Communications Act, after a two-day summary trial. Sheriff Reekie emphasized the severity of the misconduct, stating, "This was particularly unpleasant. I make it clear to you that this is an alternative to custody."

Further allegations revealed that MacCorquodale had also engaged in inappropriate physical contact with two other young women between October 2016 and July 2017. One of these victims, who was 34 weeks pregnant at the time, recounted that after a low-cost driving lesson, she had texted MacCorquodale explaining her financial difficulties, including her reliance on benefits and her need for new glasses. In response, he sent a message that read, "Maybe we can sort something out," accompanied by emojis and an ATM sign, which the victim interpreted as sexually suggestive.

Subsequently, she booked lessons through Alva Driving School, based in Clackmannanshire. MacCorquodale then sent her a message saying, "Maybe we can sort something out," and the following night, he called her with an offer of "some fun for free lessons." The young woman responded by saying, "Sorry, I'm not that type of girl," before alerting her mother, the driving school, and the police about his inappropriate behavior. The next day, MacCorquodale sent an apology via text, claiming he had been drinking and had too much on his mind, but expressing a desire to see her again. Despite his claims of intoxication, the court rejected his explanation, and he was found guilty of misconduct.

It was also revealed that MacCorquodale was not directly employed by Alva Driving School but worked as a subcontractor. The driving school publicly stated that they had severed all ties with him following the allegations, emphasizing their intolerance for such behavior. As a result, MacCorquodale ceased instructing immediately and was barred from returning to the profession.

In sentencing, Sheriff Reekie ordered MacCorquodale to be placed under supervision and to register as a sex offender for a period of three years. Conditions of his sentence include mandatory attendance at a sex offenders' treatment program and alcohol counseling, aimed at addressing the issues underlying his misconduct. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such inappropriate behavior is viewed, especially given the vulnerable status of the victims involved.