CHARLIE PIGGOT FROM GREENOCK ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE GRAVEYARD AND CAR PARK SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has drawn significant attention in Greenock, 20-year-old Charlie Piggot faced the court following serious allegations involving underage girls. Despite the gravity of the incidents, Piggot was ultimately spared a custodial sentence, receiving instead a community payback order that aims to address his behavior and protect the public.

Details of the case reveal that Piggot engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with two underage girls in Greenock. The first incident involved a 15-year-old girl with whom he had sex in Greenock Cemetery. During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that Piggot was 'undoubtedly consenting' to the encounter, though the circumstances and his age raised serious concerns. The court was informed that Piggot later targeted a 13-year-old girl, who was intoxicated, in the parking lot of a local B&M store in Greenock. He engaged in sexual activity with her, further compounding the seriousness of his actions.

Although Piggot was accused of more severe charges, a jury acquitted him last month of the sexual assault of the 13-year-old girl. The court heard that Piggot was aware of her age, explicitly stating, 'I was well aware she was 13,' during his trial. He also claimed that he did not intend to put the girls in any danger, despite the nature of his conduct.

Throughout the proceedings, defense advocate Joseph Barr emphasized Piggot's youth and mental health struggles. He highlighted that Piggot had been in foster care from an early age, had experienced bullying at school, and suffered from mental health issues, including depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Barr argued that Piggot's 'exceptional immaturity' and mental health challenges made him unsuitable for a custodial environment, suggesting that he would not fare well if incarcerated.

Furthermore, Barr pointed out concerns about Piggot's previous lack of engagement with court-ordered unpaid work for a prior offense. He stressed that Piggot was motivated to comply this time, understanding the severe consequences of non-compliance, including the possibility of long-term imprisonment. The defense urged the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

The court acknowledged Piggot's relatively minor criminal history, though it was noted that he has pending cases yet to be resolved. During the trial, Piggot admitted to knowing the girls' ages and expressed that he did not intend to cause harm. He also revealed that he had hoped a friend of the 15-year-old girl would 'join in' during the cemetery incident, and that he was intoxicated during both offenses in October and November 2018.

In delivering his judgment, Sheriff Andrew McIntyre recognized the seriousness of the offenses but also considered the circumstances, including Piggot's age and mental health. He stated, 'The nature of the offence is plainly concerning to the court,' and acknowledged the impact on the victims who had to give evidence. The sheriff emphasized that Piggot was fortunate to be acquitted of the most serious charge and that the sentence must serve to protect the community.

Rehabilitation was a key focus of the court's decision. Piggot was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work within nine months, remain under social work supervision for three years, and be listed on the Sex Offenders Register throughout that period. He is also required to attend alcohol and drug counseling and participate in a sex offender rehabilitation program. An early review hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday, during which progress will be assessed.

Sheriff McIntyre warned Piggot, 'You cannot under any circumstances mess up this opportunity you’ve been given. Focus and comply to the letter. Anything short of that will cause you to be in a very, very difficult situation.' Additionally, Piggot, who resides in central Greenock, has been subject to a three-year non-harassment order, prohibiting him from approaching or contacting the victims or attempting to do so in any manner.