GEORGE JOHNSTONE FROM TROON INVOLVED IN SEX OFFENDER SCANDAL AT AYR SHERIFF COURT

In May 2017, a disturbing case involving George Johnstone, a resident of Troon, came to light as he appeared before Ayr Sheriff Court to face allegations of misconduct related to his participation in a rehabilitation program. The case revealed a troubling pattern of behavior that extended beyond his previous criminal convictions, highlighting issues of breach of trust and ongoing risk to the community.

Johnstone, aged 65, was involved in a controversial incident where he allegedly engaged in a relationship with another man he met during a sex offender rehabilitation course. This relationship was conducted in secret, despite strict rules that prohibited participants from socializing with each other outside the structured environment of the program. The court was informed that the relationship was discovered after course organizers became aware of the inappropriate contact, raising questions about the effectiveness of the scheme and whether it was serving its intended purpose.

During the hearing, Sheriff Desmond Leslie expressed skepticism about the value of the rehabilitation course, questioning whether it was a "complete waste of time." However, Gregor Forbes, representing Johnstone, argued that the relationship was consensual and involved an adult male, contrasting it with Johnstone’s past crimes involving the sexual abuse of underage boys. This distinction was used to suggest a different context for his current behavior, although concerns about his past remained.

Johnstone’s criminal history was detailed during the proceedings. In 2014, he narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of abusing two young boys at an address in Ayr. The abuse included indecent assaults on a 15-year-old boy, whom he induced to lie on a bed, watch pornography, and endure various sexual ordeals over multiple occasions between 2004 and 2005. Additionally, he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old boy, luring him into a bedroom and subjecting him to similar acts involving pornography during the same period. These heinous acts led to his sentencing in 2014, which included being placed on the sex offenders register, wearing an electronic tag, and being subject to a sexual offences prevention order that prohibited him from unsupervised contact with children under 16 for five years.

Despite the severity of his past crimes, last week Sheriff Leslie allowed Johnstone to continue participating in a community payback order. The court had previously imposed restrictions such as a curfew from 8 pm to 7 am and the requirement to wear an ankle monitor, measures designed to closely supervise his activities and prevent further offenses. Sheriff Leslie emphasized that he saw no benefit in incarcerating Johnstone again, considering it a step backward, and instead opted for community-based sanctions.

Neighbours in Troon, unaware of Johnstone’s criminal history, were taken aback by the revelations. The case underscores ongoing concerns about the management and monitoring of convicted sex offenders, especially those with a history of abusing minors. The court’s decision to allow him to remain in the community reflects a complex balance between rehabilitation efforts and public safety, a debate that continues to resonate within the local community and beyond.