RICHARD CARNWATH FROM ALLOA, FIFE, SENTENCED FOR BREACHING COURT ORDER IN ALLOA

In a case that has once again highlighted the ongoing concerns surrounding convicted sex offenders and their compliance with legal restrictions, Richard Carnwath, aged 45, faced sentencing at Alloa Sheriff Court for breaching a court-imposed order designed to protect the public from potential harm.

The incident in question occurred on January 9, 2015, when Carnwath was residing at Tarragon House, located on Mar Place in Alloa. Despite having served a significant prison sentence for serious sexual offences against children, Carnwath was released from HMP Glenochil in mid-December of the previous year. Following his release, authorities imposed an interim Sexual Offences Protection Order (SOPO), which explicitly prohibited him from making contact with anyone under the age of 16, except in incidental or unavoidable circumstances.

However, less than a month after his release, Carnwath was found to have violated this order. On January 9, he visited a friend’s residence in Alva, a nearby town, where he was aware that children would be present. The visit was premeditated, as Carnwath knew children would be at the location, yet he chose to go there anyway. During the court proceedings, depute fiscal Marie-Claire Chaffey explained that Carnwath did not disclose his past or the restrictions imposed upon him when he visited his friend’s house. She stated, “He told his friend he had been in prison for robbery and stabbing someone; he made no mention of the sexual offence prevention order to which he is subject.”

Witnesses reported that Carnwath was aware of the children’s presence and made no effort to leave. The police report indicated that he did not attempt to engage with the children at any point, nor was he left alone with them. However, concern arose when the partner of Carnwath’s friend noticed his suspicious behavior. She observed him paying undue attention to her older daughter, noting that he was staring at her. When she caught his gaze, Carnwath quickly looked away, which raised alarm among the family members.

Following this incident, the family became aware of Carnwath’s past and promptly reported their concerns to the police. A few days later, Carnwath contacted his friend and asked him to deny that Carnwath had ever been at his home, indicating an attempt to cover his tracks. Police subsequently interviewed Carnwath, leading to his arrest and formal charges. During a hearing at Alloa Sheriff Court on February 2, Carnwath admitted to breaching the court order.

In his defense, lawyer Claire McCarron stated that her client accepted responsibility for his actions. She emphasized that although the breach was serious, it was not at the highest end of the offence spectrum. McCarron added, “His position is that, following his release, he was trying to reintegrate into society and engage in normal social activities. Any custodial sentence would likely be short, and it might be more appropriate to impose an extended period of supervision to allow him to remain in the community.”

Despite these arguments, Sheriff Simon Collins highlighted the premeditated nature of Carnwath’s actions. He pointed out the careful planning involved in Carnwath’s attempt to access children and his subsequent efforts to conceal his presence. The sheriff remarked, “The level of planning involved in gaining access to these children and the attempt to cover his tracks is concerning. There is no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence.”

Ultimately, Sheriff Collins sentenced Carnwath to four months in prison, a reduction from the original five-month sentence, with the term backdated to January 14, 2015. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such breaches are regarded, especially given Carnwath’s history and the potential risk posed to the community in Alloa and Fife.