EMILEE BARCLAY FROM HALDANE AND BALLOCH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING CHILDREN IN THE VALE OF LEVEN

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Balloch and Haldane, Emilee Barclay, a 22-year-old woman from Haldane, was recently sentenced at Dumbarton Sheriff Court after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with two minors. The offences took place over a span of more than two years, involving multiple locations within the Vale of Leven area, including properties in Bonhill and Haldane itself.

Between August 2015 and December 2017, Barclay committed these serious crimes at a residence in Bonhill. During this period, she engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with two children, a boy and a girl, both aged between 13 and 16 at the time. The court heard that she not only involved herself in these illicit acts but also manipulated her victims by providing them with alcohol. Additionally, she supplied cannabis to one of the minors and offered the same controlled substance to the other, further complicating the nature of her crimes.

The offences in Haldane occurred between October 2015 and August 2016, adding to the timeline of her misconduct. The court was informed that Barclay had previously admitted to the charges of sexual activity with the minors, as well as the supply and offer to supply controlled drugs, during a hearing in January. At that time, her sentencing was deferred to allow for background reports to be prepared.

During the sentencing hearing on Friday, Sheriff Hendry addressed Barclay directly, emphasizing the gravity of her actions. The sheriff stated, “You committed these offences over a period of years. They involve young victims – and I choose that word deliberately. There are concerns expressed in the report as to whether you have a full understanding of the imbalance of power in those relationships.”

While acknowledging that there was no coercion or force involved, Sheriff Hendry made it clear that consent could not have been genuine given the circumstances. The sheriff also highlighted the potential long-term impact of Barclay’s actions, noting, “The effect of what you did is not known. It may be long-lasting; it may be life-long.”

Despite her own difficult upbringing, which she cited as a reason for her behaviour, the court made it clear that this was no excuse for her actions. Barclay was sentenced to a period of supervision by a social worker for three years, the maximum allowed under such an order. She was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community service within six months and was placed under a restriction of liberty order, which involves electronic tagging and a curfew from 7pm to 7am for four months.

Furthermore, Barclay was placed on the sex offenders register for five years and will be required to return to court at the end of June for a review of her sentence. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such offences are regarded, especially when involving vulnerable minors in the communities of Balloch and Haldane.