PETER SANTI FROM BALLOCH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON WOMEN NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO
| Red Rose Database
Balloch Sexual Abuser
In a recent court ruling, Peter Santi, a resident of Balloch, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed nearly two decades ago, yet he has avoided imprisonment. The case, which brought to light disturbing incidents from the early 2000s, highlights the complexities of justice in historical sexual assault cases.
According to court records, Santi, who resides at Levenview Court in Balloch, admitted to multiple instances of sexual assault against a woman at his home address. These assaults occurred over a period spanning from January 1, 2003, to December 3, 2003. During this time, he was found to have handled her buttocks and breasts over her clothing in a manner that was clearly non-consensual. The details of these incidents were presented during the court proceedings, painting a troubling picture of the defendant’s conduct during that period.
Further, the court heard that on October 7, 2006, Santi committed another sexual assault, this time against a different woman at an address in Alexandria. The assault involved him putting his arms around her and refusing to release her, an act that caused significant distress. Additionally, Santi was reported to have “ushered her into a bedroom and pulled her onto his lap,” actions that compounded the severity of his misconduct. These incidents, although separated by a few years, were linked by the pattern of inappropriate and non-consensual behavior.
During the sentencing hearing held at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on March 1, the defense, represented by Scott Adair, argued that given Santi’s age, his lack of prior criminal convictions, and the absence of previous allegations, a community-based sentence might be appropriate. Adair suggested that a community payback order could serve as a suitable punishment in this case, emphasizing the defendant’s otherwise clean record.
However, Sheriff Maxwell Hendry interrupted the proceedings, making it clear that he did not intend to send Santi to prison for these offenses. Instead, the sheriff indicated that the sentence should fall somewhere between incarceration and a purely community-based punishment. Sheriff Hendry expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of probation in cases where the defendant denies the allegations outright, but acknowledged that it could still be considered.
Addressing Santi directly, Sheriff Hendry stated, “I convicted you of this matter on the basis of the evidence that was led before me. I remain of the view that that was the correct conclusion to reach. You are entitled to your own opinion, but I deal with you on the basis of the conviction.”
Ultimately, Santi was sentenced to 150 hours of community service, which he is required to complete within 12 months. Additionally, he was placed under a notification requirement order under the Sexual Offences Act, mandating that he register and comply with certain restrictions related to his offenses. The ruling reflects the court’s attempt to balance justice with the circumstances surrounding the case, while also considering the defendant’s age and background.
According to court records, Santi, who resides at Levenview Court in Balloch, admitted to multiple instances of sexual assault against a woman at his home address. These assaults occurred over a period spanning from January 1, 2003, to December 3, 2003. During this time, he was found to have handled her buttocks and breasts over her clothing in a manner that was clearly non-consensual. The details of these incidents were presented during the court proceedings, painting a troubling picture of the defendant’s conduct during that period.
Further, the court heard that on October 7, 2006, Santi committed another sexual assault, this time against a different woman at an address in Alexandria. The assault involved him putting his arms around her and refusing to release her, an act that caused significant distress. Additionally, Santi was reported to have “ushered her into a bedroom and pulled her onto his lap,” actions that compounded the severity of his misconduct. These incidents, although separated by a few years, were linked by the pattern of inappropriate and non-consensual behavior.
During the sentencing hearing held at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on March 1, the defense, represented by Scott Adair, argued that given Santi’s age, his lack of prior criminal convictions, and the absence of previous allegations, a community-based sentence might be appropriate. Adair suggested that a community payback order could serve as a suitable punishment in this case, emphasizing the defendant’s otherwise clean record.
However, Sheriff Maxwell Hendry interrupted the proceedings, making it clear that he did not intend to send Santi to prison for these offenses. Instead, the sheriff indicated that the sentence should fall somewhere between incarceration and a purely community-based punishment. Sheriff Hendry expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of probation in cases where the defendant denies the allegations outright, but acknowledged that it could still be considered.
Addressing Santi directly, Sheriff Hendry stated, “I convicted you of this matter on the basis of the evidence that was led before me. I remain of the view that that was the correct conclusion to reach. You are entitled to your own opinion, but I deal with you on the basis of the conviction.”
Ultimately, Santi was sentenced to 150 hours of community service, which he is required to complete within 12 months. Additionally, he was placed under a notification requirement order under the Sexual Offences Act, mandating that he register and comply with certain restrictions related to his offenses. The ruling reflects the court’s attempt to balance justice with the circumstances surrounding the case, while also considering the defendant’s age and background.