NO PLEA TO SEX OFFENCE CHARGES
A 43-year-old man appeared before Kirkwall Sheriff Court to answer a charge under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.Robert Linklater faces allegations of contravening section 7(1), which pertains to indecent sexual communications.
During a short hearing before Sheriff Robert McDonald, he did not enter a plea and was subsequently released on bail.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… A man from Orkney has received a two-year prison sentence following his conviction for a disturbing series of sexual abuses against a family member.
The victim was only 11 years old when the abuse began, and the incident has inflicted profound trauma on her, as detailed by Kirkwall Sheriff Court.
The perpetrator, in his 40s, was battling opiate addiction during the period of abuse, which occurred between October 2020 and October 2022 at both his home and another residence.
Since the allegations, he has taken steps to combat his addiction and mental health issues, according to court reports.
His solicitor, Cheryl Beattie, stated that her client has been honest and open with social workers preparing the court report.
She noted that his relationship with his partner was strained at the time of the offences.
Ms Beattie emphasised that her client fully accepts responsibility for his actions and the profound breach of trust involved.
She also mentioned that he has faced rejection from his community, leading to social isolation.
One of the greatest impacts, she said, has been the loss of contact with his biological children.
The solicitor added that her client is resigned to serving his prison term.
Since the case's onset in May of the previous year, he has adhered strictly to all bail conditions and pleaded guilty early in the process.
Procurator fiscal Sue Foard highlighted the serious emotional toll on the victim, noting her mother described the abuse's effects as devastating.
Sheriff Robert McDonald described the case as “quite appalling” after reviewing the social work report.
He recognised the accused’s cooperation, acceptance of guilt, and efforts to seek help, as well as his minimal prior convictions.
The sheriff emphasised the severity of the offences, which involved multiple instances over two years, depicting deliberate sexual acts and endangering the girl’s well-being.
He explained that the victim was fearful for her safety and that of her siblings, prompting her to disclose the abuse to her teacher.
The girl had become distrustful and fearful to go out alone, fearing potential future abuse.
The sheriff condemned the defendant’s reckless pursuit of these acts, noting he ignored the harm caused and instructed the girl to keep the abuse secret.
He described his conduct as pre-meditated, including taking her to another property for further abuse.
He categorised the offence as Category A culpability and the harm caused as Category 2.
The original three-year sentence was reduced to two due to his early guilty plea, and he will be registered as a sex offender for ten years.
