JASON HAIN FROM MUSSELBURGH SENTENCED FOR CHILD OFFENSES AND INDECENT IMAGES

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Musselburgh, Jason Hain, a 46-year-old resident of Eskside West, has been convicted of multiple offenses related to child exploitation and indecency. The incidents, which spanned over several years, involved disturbing conduct that caused significant fear and distress to a young girl, as well as possession of indecent images of children.

According to court reports, Hain engaged in a pattern of behavior that targeted a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Musselburgh. He repeatedly sent her emails despite her clear requests for him to stop, a course of conduct that the court found to be both invasive and alarming. In addition to the electronic harassment, Hain left clothing under a bridge in the town, which he intended for the girl to collect. He covertly watched her during these encounters, actions that further compounded the distress caused.

The police investigation into Hain’s activities uncovered more disturbing evidence when they raided his home last year. Officers found images of child abuse stored on his devices, confirming his possession of indecent pictures of children. These findings added to the charges against him, which had already been amended and presented at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in July. At that time, Hain admitted to two charges, and the court deferred sentencing to gather further reports.

During the proceedings, the Crown prosecutor decided to drop additional charges, including allegations that Hain had sent the girl sexualized texts and a card containing a sexual message. Furthermore, Hain’s pleas to two other online child abuse charges were accepted by the Crown during a hearing held last Tuesday.

In sentencing, Sheriff Michael O’Grady imposed a three-year offender supervision order on Hain. The sheriff also mandated that Hain be registered on the sex offenders’ register for the same period, emphasizing the seriousness of his offenses. Hain admitted to causing the girl fear and alarm through his repeated emails, covert watching, and leaving clothing for her to collect under a bridge at his home address and elsewhere in Musselburgh between June 9 and June 16 of the previous year. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to permitting the creation of indecent images of children at his residence between December 29, 2010, and July 25 last year, highlighting a long-standing pattern of disturbing behavior.