SCOTTISH BESTIALITY RING MEMBERS MARK FINDLATER, JOSHUA LEE-PATTERSON AND JORDAN TURNBULL SHOCK THE NATION

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Scottish Bestiality Ring members Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves across Scotland, three men linked to a notorious bestiality ring have been convicted of heinous crimes involving the abuse of animals. The offenders, identified as Mark Findlater, Joshua Lee-Paterson, and Jordan Turnbull, all hail from different parts of Scotland but are united by their involvement in this depraved activity.

Mark Findlater, born around 1987, from Sidlaw Range near Kirriemuir, was at the center of the scandal. He was previously convicted for possession of animal pornography and has now been linked to further disturbing acts. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Findlater owned the Shetland ponies named Jack and Ruby, who were victims in this case. The incidents took place in a small wooden stable located in a field, where the abuse was carried out using an air compression device. The court heard that Findlater was in a relationship with the other two men, Turnbull and Lee-Paterson, at different times, which added a layer of complexity to the case.

Jordan Turnbull, born circa 1992 and residing on Meigle Street in Galashiels, and Joshua Lee-Paterson, born around 2000 and living at Millden Steading West, House West, Balmedie, Aberdeen, both admitted to having an “unnatural connection” with separate horses at Cothal Farm in Fintray. The court was told that both men blamed Findlater for controlling and manipulating them into participating in the acts. Lee-Paterson claimed he was trying to protect the animals, asserting that Findlater had threatened to harm the ponies if he refused to carry out the acts. The abuse involved the use of an air compression device and was recorded on a mobile phone, which was used as evidence in court.

Findlater’s involvement extended beyond the acts themselves. Between January 17 and February 11, 2020, he sent multiple packages containing letters describing the acts of bestiality committed by his co-accused, along with explicit images depicting the abuse. These packages were sent to various recipients, including a hotel manager, residents of farms and cottages, and even a newspaper reporter. During the trial, it was highlighted that Findlater had coerced the others into participating and had distributed obscene material related to the crimes.

Legal representatives for the accused provided their perspectives during sentencing. Stuart Murray, representing Lee-Paterson, explained that his client was “on the cusp of turning 18” at the time of the offences and was under the influence of Findlater’s coercion. A social work report indicated concerns about controlling and coercive behavior from Findlater, and emphasized that Lee-Paterson was not motivated by sexual attraction to animals but was struggling to come to terms with his involvement.

James Caird, defending Findlater, stated that his client was not involved in the actual abuse or present during the taking of the images, claiming that Findlater had only received the images through social media groups. Caird also highlighted Findlater’s mental health issues and suggested that he was acting as a whistleblower in the matter. Meanwhile, lawyer Mathew Patrick, representing Turnbull, argued that his client had been pressured into participating and was otherwise a respectable individual who runs his own business. Turnbull was described as someone with psychological difficulties, who was easily led and suggested that intimidation played a significant role in his involvement.

Sentencing saw Findlater receive a prison term of 13 months and two weeks. Lee-Paterson was sentenced to 18 months of supervision along with 225 hours of unpaid work, and was also subjected to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act for 18 months. Turnbull was sentenced to seven months in prison and was subjected to notification requirements for a period of 10 years. Notably, none of the men were banned from keeping or having access to animals in the future.

Additional details emerged post-trial, revealing that Joshua Lee-Paterson, who provided his address as Bell Place, Bagshot, Surrey, was working as a coach driver with Edinburgh Coach Lines as of October 2022. This revelation prompted further investigation by Operation Frankish 2 – Cage The Monsters, which publicly exposed Turnbull’s employment and his dealings with the public, including children. The company’s response was muted, and the story was eventually picked up by The Sun, which confronted Turnbull at his workplace. Turnbull declined to comment, leaving the public and authorities to reflect on the disturbing case and the ongoing efforts to combat such vile behavior. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting animals from abuse, as well as the societal repercussions of such heinous acts.
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