PAUL DYE FROM FORFAR ESCAPES JAIL AFTER 65 CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SCOTLAND

A man from Forfar, Paul Iain Dye, has been convicted of an alarming total of 65 child sex offences but has avoided imprisonment, receiving instead a Community Payback Order (CPO) from Glasgow High Court.

On February 12, 2016, Dye, aged 26 at the time, was found guilty of numerous serious crimes under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. Despite the gravity of his actions, the court opted for a lenient sentence, requiring him to undertake unpaid community work and be subject to supervision, rather than serving time behind bars.

Court records detail the extent of Dye’s offending, which includes engaging in sexual activities with minors, exposing children to sexual acts, and repeatedly breaching bail conditions. The offences are categorized into several counts, illustrating the disturbing pattern of his conduct.

Specifically, Dye was convicted of eight counts under Sections 37(1) and (3)(a) of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. These counts relate to persuading or involving children aged 13 to 15 in sexual activities or encouraging them to observe sexual acts. Furthermore, he was found guilty of 18 counts under Sections 28 and 30, which involve engaging in or directing sexual acts towards children under 16, including exposing them to such acts.

In addition, Dye faced 19 counts under Section 34(1), which covers engaging in prohibited sexual conduct or communications with minors. Perhaps most troubling are the 20 separate convictions for breaching bail conditions, all under Section 34(1), indicating a blatant disregard for legal restrictions designed to protect children. These repeated violations highlight a disturbing pattern of defiance and risk.

Despite the severity and volume of his crimes, the court chose not to impose a custodial sentence. Instead, Dye was handed a Community Payback Order that includes three years of supervised social work, 300 hours of unpaid community service, and a three-year ban on any contact with individuals under 16 without prior approval.

This decision has sparked widespread outrage among child protection advocates and the general public. Critics have condemned the court’s leniency, with a spokesperson from a prominent Scottish child safety organization describing the ruling as “an absolute disgrace.” The spokesperson added, “How can someone with 65 child sex offences avoid prison? This sentence fails victims and puts more children at risk.”

Locals in Forfar have also expressed their anger and disbelief, with many social media users criticizing the punishment as “a slap on the wrist.” Calls for tougher sentencing laws for individuals convicted of child sexual offences have grown louder in response to the case.

While the Community Payback Order legally prohibits Dye from having unsupervised contact with minors, concerns remain about his potential threat to the community. Given his history of breaching bail conditions 20 times, campaigners fear he still poses a significant risk. Critics argue that a custodial sentence would have better served community safety and justice.

Authorities continue to urge the public to stay vigilant. Anyone who observes Dye violating the conditions of his sentence is encouraged to report such incidents immediately to Police Scotland, emphasizing the importance of community awareness in safeguarding children.