RYAN IMRAY FROM FORRES ESCAPES JAIL AFTER ABERDEENSHIRE INDECENT ASSAULT CASE

In a case that has shocked the local community, Ryan Imray, a former soldier from Forres, has avoided imprisonment despite being found guilty of indecently assaulting a young girl. The incident took place in Aberdeenshire in August of the previous year, shortly after Imray returned from a tour of duty in Germany.

Imray, who was 20 years old at the time and known locally as Hepburn, was stationed at The Royal Hotel in Forres before his discharge from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guard. The assault involved a 13-year-old girl at a private residence, and the details of the case were heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Imray had approached the girl, asking her for a cuddle. When she refused, he persisted, eventually leading to an indecent assault. The court was told that when questioned about the incident, Imray responded with a shrug and lit a cigarette, later telling police that his actions were driven by frustration.

Imray admitted to the offence, and his defense lawyer, Bill Adam, expressed that his client had been proud of his military service since leaving school. However, Adam also stated that Imray was currently unemployed, living in a hotel, and receiving benefits. The lawyer emphasized that Imray accepted full responsibility for his actions but could not provide an explanation for his behavior.

The court heard that the assault occurred on the same day Imray returned to Scotland after his deployment in Germany, adding context to the timing of the incident.

Judge Graeme Buchanan described the offence as “a very nasty offence indeed” and acknowledged the distress caused to the victim. He remarked that the girl’s experience must have been extremely upsetting. Despite the severity of the incident, the judge decided against sending Imray to prison, citing the importance of considering the circumstances.

Instead, Sheriff Buchanan sentenced Imray to three years of probation, with the condition that he participate in a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program. Additionally, Imray was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. The sheriff warned that any breach of the probation terms could result in a custodial sentence. Furthermore, Imray was mandated to register as a sex offender for three years.

Throughout the court appearance, Imray appeared subdued, hanging his head as he accepted the court’s decision. The case has left many in Forres and the surrounding areas contemplating the implications of justice and rehabilitation for offenders of such serious crimes.