ROBERT GORDON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN DUMBARTON: SEX OFFENDER BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER FILMING MOTHER AND BABY

In a series of disturbing incidents that have shocked the community of Dumbarton, Robert Gordon, a 64-year-old man with a troubling history of sexual offences, has been subjected to severe legal actions following his latest misconduct. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of wickedness and a clear threat to public safety, especially concerning the safety of children.

In January 2018, Gordon was handed an eight-year sentence, comprising three years of imprisonment and five years of strict supervision within the community. The sheriff overseeing the case described his crimes as “wicked,” emphasizing the gravity of his actions. Additionally, Gordon was issued an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which imposes numerous restrictions on his conduct. Among these conditions, he is explicitly prohibited from communicating with anyone under the age of 16, and his use of devices capable of internet access is to be closely monitored, including tracking the websites he visits and the communications he makes.

The court heard that Gordon had previously served time for a similar offence in 2009. At that time, he was also subjected to an eight-year ban from approaching or contacting children. However, this ban expired just eight months before he visited the Meadow Centre in Dumbarton, where he committed his latest offence. Sheriff William Gallacher expressed concern that Gordon appeared “focused or driven” to continue his predatory behaviour, raising fears about the potential for further harm.

Gordon pleaded guilty in October to charges related to recording or attempting to record a mother and her eight-month-old son in a changing room at the Meadow Centre on June 27 of the previous year. He also admitted to attempting to conceal evidence of his guilt by claiming he swallowed a SIM card, which he had hidden, in an effort to pervert the course of justice. The court was told that Gordon’s address was listed as Greenock Prison at the time of the hearing.

During the hearing, the prosecution, represented by fiscal depute Kenneth Grieve, requested that an indefinite SOPO be imposed to prevent Gordon from approaching or contacting minors. The restrictions also extend to his use of electronic devices, which will be subject to tracking measures. Mr. Grieve highlighted that Gordon has been known to use dating websites to meet women, which could potentially give him access to children, especially since he has previously failed to disclose his relationships. It was also noted that he used a phone camera during the commission of his latest offence.

Sheriff Gallacher expressed serious concerns about the effectiveness of previous restrictions, noting that despite a prior ban, Gordon’s offending continued. The sheriff questioned whether the measures currently in place are sufficient to prevent further harm, given Gordon’s history and apparent focus on reoffending. He remarked, “This was already in place, which didn’t stop anything taking place. That’s what causes me the greatest anxiety.” The sheriff emphasized the potential for Gordon to cause “real harm” and questioned whether the existing legal tools are adequate to protect the community.

Earlier, in December 2017, Gordon’s case was set for sentencing after he admitted to attempting to film a mother and her infant son in a changing cubicle at the Meadow Centre. His solicitor, Brian McGuire, explained that he had not yet seen the application for the sexual offences prevention order, which was a necessary part of the sentencing process. The court was informed that Gordon’s case was complicated by the pending order, and the sentencing was deferred to allow for further review. Gordon’s history of similar offences was acknowledged, and the sheriff indicated that an extended sentence was likely, but he needed to ensure the conditions were appropriate.

In October 2017, Gordon’s disturbing actions came to light when he was caught attempting to secretly film a mother and her eight-month-old child in the swimming pool changing rooms at the Meadow Centre. The incident was described as “disgraceful” by the sheriff. Gordon, who was in custody at the time, pleaded guilty to the charges, which included recording or attempting to record the mother and her child in a state of undress. The court heard that the mother, in her 30s, had been swimming with her son when she noticed a mobile phone being moved from under an adjacent cubicle. Realizing she was being recorded, she screamed and confronted Gordon.

She and her companions attempted to remove the phone, but Gordon was fidgeting with something and refused to cooperate. He was eventually detained by staff, who reported the incident to police. Gordon admitted to the police that he had attempted to film the mother and her child and also claimed to have swallowed a SIM card from the phone used in the offence. The SIM was later recovered by a member of the public and handed to authorities. Despite the evidence, Gordon made no comment during police interviews, and his phone and SIM were examined, though no recordings were found.

Throughout the proceedings, Sheriff Gallacher condemned Gordon’s actions as “a disgraceful intrusion” and “wickedness,” highlighting his prior convictions and the ongoing risk he poses. The case was adjourned until November 16 to allow for a social work report, and Gordon remains in custody until then, awaiting further sentencing. The community of Dumbarton remains under the shadow of these disturbing events, with authorities determined to prevent any future harm from this repeat offender.