JOHN SCOTT FROM CLYDEBANK SENTENCED FOR REPEATED SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING MINORS

A notorious serial sex offender, John Scott, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term and will be subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender following his recent conviction. Scott, a resident of Clydebank, has been detained since March and will remain incarcerated until his release, after which he will be placed under strict supervision and monitoring.

In August, Scott pleaded guilty to engaging in inappropriate messaging with individuals posing as minors, a crime he committed less than five years after his previous offenses. The court heard that in both instances, Scott was contacted by individuals claiming to be teenagers, and despite being informed of their supposed ages, he continued to send explicit messages. These actions highlight a disturbing pattern of behavior that persisted over several years.

Back in 2020, Scott was already under social work supervision for a period of three years and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) that lasted five years. This order imposed strict restrictions on his use of electronic devices, which were to be checked regularly by authorities to prevent further misconduct. Despite these measures, Scott reoffended in early 2023, with incidents occurring between February 21 and March 2. During this period, he engaged in sexual communications and attempted to indecently communicate with someone he believed to be 12 years old. On February 21, he also sent messages to someone claiming to be 14, and on February 29, he did the same with a person claiming to be 13.

Scott admitted to breaching the terms of his SOPO, further demonstrating his disregard for the restrictions placed upon him. The offences took place at a flat located in Burnside Court, Clydebank. It is known that Scott previously resided on Bedford Avenue in Clydebank and also in Braehead, Bonhill, indicating his longstanding presence in the local area.

During the sentencing hearing held on December 17, defense solicitor Phil Lafferty acknowledged the limited mitigation available for Scott’s actions. He stated, “He has accepted from an early stage it was his intention to plead guilty. This is his first experience of custody. He has been remanded since March. The experience has not been one he relished. It has already given him an opportunity to reflect. He is determined to change his ways.”

The Crown prosecutor highlighted that police had requested a lifelong restriction order in August, a measure that can only be imposed by the High Court. However, Sheriff William Gallacher clarified that a new SOPO would not be necessary given the existing restrictions. He expressed serious concern over Scott’s repeated offending, describing his behavior as “persistent” and “very concerning.”

Ultimately, Sheriff Gallacher sentenced Scott to an extended term of six years in prison. The first two years of this sentence, starting from March 4, will be served behind bars, while the remaining four years will be served on supervised release in the community. Additionally, Scott will be registered on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the public from further harm.