KAYLEIGH MARTIN'S SHOCKING SEX SCANDAL IN HAMILTON: CARE WORKER'S LIFE RUINED AFTER INVOLVEMENT WITH VULNERABLE TEEN IN LANARKSHIRE

In November 2020, a care worker from Hamilton was spared imprisonment after a disturbing case involving a sexual relationship with a vulnerable teenage boy came to light. The incident, which took place in April 2019, has left the young man's life deeply affected and has cast a shadow over the career of the woman involved.

Kayleigh Martin, aged 26 at the time, was employed at a residential support facility in Lanarkshire that provides specialized assistance to troubled teenagers and young adults. The relationship began after she was assigned to the case of the 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons. It was revealed that the two exchanged a series of explicit messages, which eventually led to them engaging in sexual acts within the premises of the residential unit.

The unit, known for offering one-on-one support to vulnerable youths, became the setting for this inappropriate conduct. When the management at the facility discovered the nature of the relationship, they promptly contacted law enforcement authorities. Police arrested Martin in July of the following year, leading to her appearance at Lanark Sheriff Court in Lanarkshire.

During the trial, Martin denied any wrongdoing, maintaining her innocence throughout proceedings. However, the court found her guilty of engaging in sexual activity with the minor while in a position of trust and of sending sexual communications to him. Sheriff Nikola Stewart sentenced her to a two-year period of supervised release and ordered her to complete 250 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, Martin was placed on the sex offenders' register for two years and was prohibited from making any contact with the teenage victim.

Her defense attorney, Archie Hill, expressed regret over her future prospects, stating, “There is simply no prospect of her going into that field of work ever again. The lady respects the finding of the court, but maintains her position and I would have been shocked if she had changed that because she is vehement in her denial of this offence.” Hill also highlighted her inexperience, noting, “She was an inexperienced worker in that environment, and there were some texts that were inappropriate, but she was new to the job. The contact was unusual, and she was not predatory, but her naivety led to this serious breach of trust.”

Since the incident, Martin, who was a registered residential child care worker with the Scottish Social Services Council, has transitioned into a retail career. A source close to the case commented, “She had a very promising career ahead of her, but she has absolutely ruined that for herself. Her life has been changed completely, and she is fortunate she wasn’t sent to prison for such a breach of trust.”

Sheriff Stewart emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This was a serious relationship regardless of her perception. The young man was receiving an unusual amount of attention from someone who should have known better. I do not believe she was predatory, but her naivety and foolishness are evident. This will undoubtedly have serious repercussions on his life, and her actions are a dreadful breach of trust.”

Inspire Scotland, the organization overseeing the unit where Martin worked, has been approached for comment regarding the case. The incident underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable youths and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by those entrusted with their care.