SEX OFFENDER TARGETED SCHOOLGIRL FOR ABUSE
A man convicted of a sex assault, who told authorities he needed to face the consequences for his actions towards a schoolgirl, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.Heavily tattooed Jai Pennycuick was involved in abusing a young girl at a flat in Edinburgh’s Broomhouse estate during the 1990s.
The victim came forward in May 2020 to report what had happened, after which she was interviewed by specially trained officers as part of an investigation into historical sex offenses.
During the High Court in Glasgow, prosecutor Bill McVicar stated that Pennycuick, now aged 39, broke down crying and provided as detailed an account of the incident as he could remember.
He acknowledged his wrongdoing, saying he now faced the repercussions of his actions.
Pennycuick, who works as a construction site laborer, admitted to a charge of lewd and libidinous conduct involving the girl during the period between June 1996 and June 1997, when she was as young as seven.
The prosecutor noted that Pennycuick, of Pilton in Edinburgh, had also been convicted in England and Wales in the late 1990s for various sex offenses, including indecent assault of a boy.
Prior to his imprisonment, Pennycuick, who is single, was seeking a partner through online dating websites.
One of his recent profiles read: "Hi my name is Jai, I'm looking for a long-term relationship.
I live in Edinburgh, have no kids, have never been married, enjoy outdoor activities and traveling.
I work on building sites." Defense attorney Kenneth Cloggie remarked that Pennycuick cannot change his past actions but feels shameful about them.
During sentencing, Judge Lord Matthews acknowledged Pennycuick’s youth at the time but emphasized that he must now face adult consequences.
The judge reduced the sentence from two years considering the guilty plea and ordered Pennycuick to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Upon release, he will be required to update police about any changes of address.
As a registered sex offender, Pennycuick will remain under strict supervision by Police Scotland and social workers, and could face legal action if he fails to comply with the Sex Offenders’ Register requirements.
