JAMES SKELTON FROM WEST LOTHIAN SHAMES HIS GIRLFRIEND IN HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of West Lothian, James Skelton, aged 26, was brought before Livingston Sheriff Court to face serious allegations of sexual assault against his former girlfriend.The court heard that Skelton, who resides in Bathgate, engaged in a heinous act while the victim was asleep, after she had refused his advances earlier that night.
According to the prosecution, Roshni Joshi, the case revealed that Skelton had sent a series of remorseful messages to his partner earlier in the day, expressing deep regret and apologizing profusely.
These messages included statements such as, “I’m so, so, so f*****g sorry.
I thought you were awake.
I feel quite sick right now,” and “You know I wouldn’t do anything like that without your consent.” On the night in question, the young woman had gone to bed alone at their shared residence, leaving Skelton engaged in conversation with her nieces and their mother, who were staying over.
She was lying on her right side as usual when, at approximately 3 a.m., she stirred and attempted to turn over in bed.
It was at this moment that she awoke to find herself on her left side, with Skelton’s right arm draped over her.
It was then that she was subjected to a sexual assault.
The victim immediately shouted, “What the f**k are you doing?” but did not see Skelton at that moment.
She could hear him apologizing repeatedly, saying, “I’m so sorry!
I’m so sorry!” before she left the room in distress.
Despite the incident, she was aware of her phone vibrating with incoming messages that night but did not check them until later that day.
The messages from Skelton, which she later disclosed to her aunt, revealed his remorse and attempts to justify his actions.
In one message, he wrote, “I’m so, so, so f*****g sorry.
I thought you were awake.
I feel quite sick right now,” and in another, “You moved your hand out of the way and made a few noises.
I’m so ff*****g sorry.” He also insisted, “You know I wouldn’t do anything like that without your consent.” Following the incident, the victim confided in her aunt the next day.
Skelton subsequently handed himself into the police but, on legal advice, chose to give a 'no comment' interview during police questioning.
The court was informed that Skelton had pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual penetration of his sleeping partner at their West Lothian residence on August 30, a time when she was incapable of giving or withholding consent.
The offence was further classified as aggravated due to the abuse of a partner or former partner.
During the hearing, Sheriff Douglas Kinloch ordered that Skelton’s name be added immediately to the sex offenders’ register.
The case was adjourned until November 4, to allow for a criminal justice social work report to be prepared, which will inform the sentencing process.
The sheriff explained that he was not passing sentence at this stage because of legal requirements to review Skelton’s background.
He also emphasized that Skelton must be registered as a sex offender, with the duration of his registration to be determined at the sentencing hearing.
