MUSSELBURGH MINISTER IAN ANDREW GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AT BALLATER HOTEL

In a case that has shocked the community of Musselburgh and the surrounding areas, Reverend Ian Andrew, a Church of Scotland minister, was found guilty of attempting to indecently assault a teenage boy at the Hilton Craigendarroch Hotel in Ballater. The incident, which occurred on July 16, has brought to light disturbing behavior from a man who was supposed to serve as a spiritual guide and community leader.

During the court proceedings at Stonehaven Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Andrew, aged 37 and a married father of two, was staying at the hotel with his wife and their two daughters, aged 11 and 8, at the time of the incident. The court heard that Andrew was about to go for a swim when he unexpectedly encountered a 14-year-old boy in the hotel’s toilets. The court described how Andrew attempted to fondle the boy’s private parts, an act that the young victim strongly protested against before fleeing to inform his parents.

The court was told that Andrew could not adequately explain his actions during the hearing. The incident took place at the leisure club within the hotel, a location that was supposed to be a place of relaxation and family enjoyment. The revelation of such behavior by a respected minister has caused widespread concern and disappointment among his congregation and the wider community.

Following his guilty plea, Andrew was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. He appeared in court last October, where he was initially granted a deferment of sentencing to allow for good behavior and to await the outcome of a church disciplinary hearing into his conduct. As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to pay his young victim £200 in compensation.

Andrew’s attempt to withdraw his guilty plea during the sentencing hearing was unsuccessful, and the court confirmed his conviction. The case has highlighted issues of trust and the importance of safeguarding within community institutions, especially those involving individuals in positions of moral authority. The community now awaits further developments regarding the church’s response and any additional legal actions that may follow.