JAMIE LEASK FROM LERWICK SHETLAND SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN EDINBURGH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Lerwick in Shetland, 17-year-old Jamie Leask has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against young children. The conviction was handed down after a comprehensive week-long trial held at the High Court in Aberdeen, with the sentencing taking place in Edinburgh.

Leask, who was found guilty of multiple charges, was sentenced to a term of five years in detention. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders' register, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for public safety.

The crimes committed by Leask spanned an 18-month period and took place within the town of Lerwick. The court heard that his victims were children as young as seven years old, and the offenses involved a disturbing pattern of manipulation and cunning behavior on his part, as noted by Judge Lord Turnbull during sentencing. The judge emphasized that Leask’s actions demonstrated a troubling level of deceit and exploitation.

Throughout the trial, the victims were compelled to give evidence against Leask, some of which was presented via video link, as he initially denied all charges. The court revealed that Leask engaged in sexual acts with two nine-year-old boys on separate occasions, forcing them to perform acts on him. He also coerced two other young boys, aged seven and nine, into engaging in sexual activities with each other and performing lewd acts.

The abuse occurred at Seafield Park in Lerwick between July 5 and August 23 of the previous year. At the time, Leask was on bail for earlier allegations involving sexual attacks on young girls, which added to the gravity of his actions. Despite the initial charges, the court dismissed the allegations of raping two girls, aged 13 and 14, near a bomb shelter at “The Knab,” a well-known coastal walk area in Lerwick. Instead, Leask was convicted of having sexual relations with these underage girls.

The court detailed how Leask engaged in sexual activity with the 13-year-old girl on Valentine’s Day, during which he taunted her by suggesting she was pregnant with his child. Furthermore, he ordered the 14-year-old girl, who was his friend’s girlfriend, to strip and then engaged in sexual acts with her in September of that year, while his friend watched.

Leask, who previously worked as a supermarket check-out operator, committed some of these offenses while still attending school. His actions have left a lasting impact on the victims and have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the Lerwick community and beyond.