GARY PATERSON'S SHOE FETISH CRIME IN DUNFERMLINE AND GLENROTHES LEADS TO 30 MONTH COMMUNITY ORDER

A man with a disturbing shoe fetish, Gary Paterson, has been handed a 30-month community payback order after he was found guilty of targeting young boys in the towns of Dunfermline and Glenrothes. The court heard that Paterson, who hails from Leven, repeatedly approached children with inappropriate intentions, asking them if he could lick their trainers and engaging in similar lewd behavior for his own gratification.

Paterson admitted to targeting a total of seven boys, all aged between seven and 12 years old, in various locations across Glenrothes, Fife. His actions included asking children if he could clean their shoes and then licking them, which he did to satisfy his sexual urges. The court was informed that these incidents took place on different occasions, with some occurring on Balgonie Avenue, Inverary Avenue, and at the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust in Viewfield, Glenrothes.

Details of the case revealed that on October 23, 2011, Paterson approached four boys in the Glenrothes area, specifically on Balgonie Avenue, Inverary Avenue, and at the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust. During these encounters, he asked if he could lick their shoes for his gratification. Following his arrest by police, Paterson was granted bail by Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. However, he subsequently breached this bail condition by committing three similar offences on November 6, 2011, on Manse Road, Leslie, also within Glenrothes.

During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Grant McCulloch emphasized the importance of providing Paterson with appropriate help and support to address his behavior. The sheriff acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, despite their unusual nature, and pointed out that Paterson had violated his bail conditions. As part of his sentence, Paterson was ordered to participate in therapy sessions while residing in designated accommodation. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register and mandated to attend psychiatric services. The sheriff explained that Paterson would need to meet regularly with an offender management officer, discuss any changes in his circumstances, and adhere to the conditions set by his supervising officer. The court stressed that the work with his supervising officer might take some time, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the need for ongoing intervention.