MARK GRAY FROM WHITECRAIG AND MUSSELBURGH INVOLVED IN DISTURBING INCIDENT AT LOCAL FESTIVAL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Mark Gray, aged 28, a resident of Whitecraig and formerly associated with Musselburgh's well-known Honest Toun's Association (HTA), has been convicted of serious sexual misconduct involving a young girl. The incident, which took place over a period spanning from April 2009 to October 2009, involved Gray purchasing underwear for a girl who was only 12 years old at the start of the offenses and had just turned 13 by the time they concluded.

Gray's inappropriate behavior extended beyond mere gift-giving. He asked the young girl to wear the underwear in his presence and, shockingly, also wore a bikini top in front of her during the same period. These actions, described by the court as 'bizarre,' were part of a pattern of lewd, indecent, and libidinous conduct that Gray had previously admitted to. The court proceedings took place at Haddington Sheriff Court on a recent Wednesday, where Gray was sentenced to a two-year probation order. Additionally, he will be reported to Scottish Ministers for consideration of inclusion on the Disqualified from Working with Children List, a measure aimed at protecting minors from potential harm.

Throughout the court hearing, it was revealed that Gray had repeatedly given gifts of underwear to the girl at an address in East Lothian. The court also heard that Gray's behavior was not an isolated incident; he had a history of similar allegations dating back to 2003 and between March 2005 and August 2009. These included accusations of cuddling a 15-year-old girl in a sleeping bag, asking her if she wanted to have sex, and on other occasions, asking an 11-year-old girl to try on underwear, touching her leg, kissing her face, and sending her explicit photographs of himself wearing bras, thongs, and miniskirts. He also gifted her a webcam. Despite these serious allegations, Gray entered a plea of not guilty to these charges, which the court accepted at an earlier hearing.

Gray's connection to the community celebrations organized by the HTA has been a point of concern. The HTA hosts annual festivities that attract numerous families and children, with volunteers assisting in various roles, including supporting the main figures known as the Honest Lad and the Honest Lass. The group clarified that Gray held no official position within the organization. However, sources indicate that he had been involved in several festival events as recently as this year and was in a relationship with Leigh Dougal, a male attendant at the 2011 festival.

During the sentencing, Gray's solicitor explained that his client's bizarre conduct was influenced by personal difficulties, including family bereavements and confusion regarding his sexual orientation. The lawyer emphasized that Gray was suffering from severe clinical depression and that these emotional and psychological stresses contributed to his behavior. He also noted that Gray recognized the potential harm his actions could cause, although he pointed out that, according to the evidence, no emotional harm had been directly inflicted on the girl involved.

Sheriff Peter Braid addressed Gray directly, stating, 'Your behavior was bizarre and, in my view, inappropriate and obviously criminal. However, I am satisfied that the appropriate disposal is the one recommended—a two-year probation order.' Gray, who resides on Whitecraig Avenue, was also placed on the sex offenders' register for two years. The court's decision follows Gray's initial charges, which included two other serious allegations. One involved an incident from 2003 where he was accused of cuddling a 15-year-old girl in a sleeping bag and asking her if she wanted to have sex. The other set of allegations, spanning from March 2005 to August 2009, involved an 11-year-old girl, with accusations that he asked her to try on underwear, touched her leg, kissed her face, and sent her explicit photographs.

Gray pleaded not guilty to these additional charges, and the court accepted his plea during an earlier hearing. Following the sentencing, Andrew Gordon, president of the HTA, stated that he could not comment on Gray's personal activities outside of the community events. He explained that the organization could not control what members did in their private lives and that Gray had not been convicted of any crimes at the time of this year's festival. Gordon also revealed that he only became aware of the allegations against Gray in September of this year, despite Gray's involvement in the Musselburgh Festival and his interest in community activities, as reflected on his Facebook profile.