CRAIG SLOAN FROM CLARKSTON SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN AIRDRIE

In December 2013, Craig Sloan, a 25-year-old resident of Clarkston, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl. The case, which garnered significant attention, was heard at Airdrie Sheriff Court following a five-day trial that concluded with a jury's unanimous verdict.

Prosecutors outlined that Sloan, who was unemployed at the time and lived on Kilwinning Crescent in Clarkston, engaged in a disturbing pattern of grooming and sexual misconduct with the young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons. The offences took place over a span of two weeks, from October 5 to October 20 of the previous year, during which Sloan used social media platforms, notably Facebook, to communicate with her.

The jury was informed that Sloan sent the girl sexually explicit messages, attempting to persuade her to engage in sexual acts. It was revealed that Sloan falsely claimed to be 18 years old, deliberately concealing his actual age of 25, in order to manipulate the young girl. The messages, which were of a highly inappropriate and sexual nature, were part of a calculated effort to initiate and maintain a sexual relationship.

On October 20, 2012, Sloan met the girl at Airdrie train station. During this meeting, he engaged in sexual acts with her in the station's toilets. The court heard that Sloan bought her cider and vodka from a nearby off-licence, with the girl’s own testimony indicating that Sloan only purchased alcohol if she agreed to have sex with him. The girl was accompanied by a female friend of the same age, who remained outside the toilet while Sloan and the girl were inside.

Following the incident, the girl confided in her mother about what had transpired. Law enforcement authorities obtained text messages from her phone, including a message Sloan sent afterward, apologizing for appearing semi-drunk and complimenting her appearance. These messages further implicated Sloan in the misconduct.

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Sloan had engaged in multiple meetings and communications with the girl, both at his residence and elsewhere. It was also established that Sloan had made arrangements for her to travel and meet him, during which he did not reasonably believe she was under 16, and he intended to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

A police interview with Sloan, played during the proceedings, revealed his initial disbelief that the girl was serious about meeting him. Sloan stated, “At first I didn’t think she was serious at meeting me. She said she would come over from East Kilbride. Then I got a call from her to say she was 15 minutes away from Airdrie.”

Defense lawyer Louise Arrol acknowledged Sloan’s denial of the charges but expressed remorse on his behalf, emphasizing his understanding of the distress caused to the girl and her family. She highlighted Sloan’s history of social isolation and bullying in his youth, which led him to seek online relationships. Sloan was also ordered to register as a sex offender as part of his sentence.

Judge Morag Galbraith emphasized the gravity of Sloan’s actions, stating, “You were convicted of offences against a girl of just 14-years of age. I have taken everything into account. The public must also be protected from serious harm upon your release so you will be on licence for 15 months.”