MIKE DUNCAN FROM LIVINGSTON JAILED FOR SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LINLITHGOW

In a case that has shocked the local community, Mike Duncan, a 24-year-old man from Knightsridge, Livingston, was sentenced to four months in prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The incident took place in Linlithgow, where Duncan had a relationship with a girl who was only 13 years old at the time.

According to court records, Duncan was aware of the girl’s age when he engaged in sexual intercourse with her. The court heard that he had been involved in a relationship with the young girl, which he later tried to end once he realized her true age. Despite his efforts to break off the relationship, Duncan admitted that he was unable to do so effectively, and on March 21 of the previous year, he had sexual encounters with her on two separate occasions.

During the proceedings, Duncan’s defense solicitor, Ian Bryce, described him as someone who is emotionally and physically immature. Bryce emphasized that Duncan does not appear to be predatory or someone who actively seeks out young girls. Instead, he suggested that Duncan’s immaturity made him more comfortable around younger individuals, which contributed to the inappropriate relationship.

Mr. Bryce also pointed out that the relationship was consensual and that no coercion was involved. He acknowledged that Duncan’s behavior was inappropriate and unacceptable but argued that there were no sinister motives behind his actions. The solicitor further stated that Duncan’s immaturity and emotional state meant that a custodial sentence would not address the underlying issues that led to his offending. He expressed concern that Duncan would be at risk of being harmed in prison, describing him as “cannon fodder” in that environment. Despite these arguments, Duncan expressed remorse for his actions and took some steps to address his behavior, although he did not follow through with all of them.

However, Sheriff Thomas Ward was not persuaded by these arguments. The sheriff emphasized that Duncan was fully aware of the girl’s age and the illegality of his actions. He pointed out that Duncan was 22 years old at the time of the offenses and knew exactly what he was doing when he engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl. Sheriff Ward stated that Duncan’s actions were serious and warranted a custodial sentence to protect the community and the victim.

In delivering his judgment, Sheriff Ward highlighted the importance of safeguarding minors and underscored that Duncan’s behavior was unacceptable. He concluded that the only appropriate response was to imprison Duncan for four months, considering all the reports and the circumstances of the case. The court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral boundaries that must be upheld, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation and harm.