78-YEAR-OLD FIFE MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEEN WITH SEX DRUG POPPERS
Roberto Tasca, aged 78, has been placed under supervision and added to the sex offenders register after admitting guilt in court.An elderly man loitering near a bus station in Fife followed a 15-year-old boy into the restroom, held a bottle of poppers beneath his nose, and repeatedly indecently assaulted him.
Tasca forcibly touched the boy’s genitals four times after waiting outside a cubicle for him to exit and holding the drug, often linked with sexual activity, near his face.
The courageous victim promptly informed staff, leading to Tasca’s arrest within two days.
The Italian national received a community-based sentence but was warned that his freedom could be revoked if he fails to comply.
At a hearing in May at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Tasca and his victim encountered each other twice on July 20 last year.
The boy, whose identity is protected by law, arrived at Kirkcaldy bus station at 10:30 AM to meet friends.
At that time, he noticed Tasca there, seemingly engaged in watching seagulls.
He left but came back around 3 PM, still seeing Tasca present.
The elderly man attempted to initiate conversation with the teenager and showed him a small bottle.
Feeling uncomfortable, the boy headed toward the toilets, took off his jumper, and tied it around his waist.
As he exited a cubicle, Tasca approached him, asking if he was okay.
The boy said he was feeling warm, and Tasca placed his hand on his forehead.
The boy then went to wash his hands at the sink, while Tasca used the neighboring sink.
When he reached for a paper towel, Tasca held the small bottle he had shown earlier under the boy’s nose, which he described as having a “strong and disgusting” smell.
At that moment, Tasca squeezed the boy’s genitals four times and asked him to meet him in a nearby car park.
The boy immediately reported the incident to a station supervisor, and police took him home, collected his clothing for DNA testing, and seized station CCTV footage.
Two days later, Tasca was identified on Kirkcaldy’s High Street, still wearing the same clothes.
However, he claimed he was in Edinburgh at the time of the assault.
A search of his home uncovered the bottle he had used, containing 17ml of yellow fluid that smelled of alkyl nitrite, a recreational drug commonly known as poppers.
Previously, Tasca, of Kirkcaldy, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the schoolboy.
Sentencing was delayed to obtain background reports, and he returned to court with the assistance of an Italian interpreter.
His lawyer, Iain McCafferty, stated: “Mr.
Tasca has been living and working in Scotland for approximately 26 years." He also noted that social workers believed the risk of reoffending was minimal.
Sheriff Steven Borthwick KC sentenced Tasca to a period of supervision and included him on the sex offenders register for nine months.
During this period, he is prohibited from unapproved contact with anyone under 18, is required to disclose any friendships or relationships, and must participate in rehabilitation-related programs.
The sheriff remarked: “You pled guilty to a charge of sexual assault against a person aged 15 at the time.
I have considered everything presented by your solicitor and reviewed a detailed report providing insight into your personal circumstances and your reasons for offending.
Your early guilty plea, age of 78, and lack of previous convictions are all factors I have taken into account.
Considering all these elements, I am prepared to impose a non-custodial sentence today.
Mr.
Tasca has resided and worked in Scotland for around 26 years.
He is 78 and a first-time offender.
He provided his account in considerable detail, but given the seriousness of the matter, I will not rehearse that here.
The report indicates that he found the court proceedings embarrassing and upsetting.
Social workers believe that these factors suggest a low likelihood of reoffending.
In conclusion, Tasca is placed on supervision and the sex offenders register for nine months, with restrictions on contact with minors and obligations to report relationships and attend relevant programs.
