RYAN SKELDING SENTENCED IN GLASGOW FOR LEWD ACTS AGAINST BOY
In July 2014, at the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Matthews sentenced Ryan Skelding to a three-year probation order after he pleaded guilty to two charges of lewd and libidinous practices involving an 11-year-old boy.During the sentencing, Lord Matthews stated in court: "Ryan Skelding, you pleaded guilty at an early stage to two episodes of lewd and libidinous practices towards an 11-year-old boy, the young brother of a girl you were then seeing.
Your victim, who was a vulnerable child, has undoubtedly been affected greatly by what you did, although it is fair to say, as has been pointed out, that it is impossible to distinguish the effects of your conduct from those caused by pre-existing conditions from which he suffered.
Had you been an adult when these offences were committed, an immediate custodial sentence would have been imposed.
However, they were committed over four years ago when you were a child yourself, and a child with significant problems.
In light of the reports I have read and what was said on your behalf—including the fact that you have been out of trouble since these offences, which were your first—I have decided that an immediate custodial sentence is not the only option.
I may impose one later, but that depends on you.
Therefore, if you indicate your consent, I will impose a probation order of three years.
During this period, you will need to behave appropriately, stay in contact with your supervising officer, and inform them of any change of address, employment status, or any circumstances that could affect your compliance with the order.
You will also be required to undergo specified sexual offender counselling and to undertake 160 hours of unpaid work—two-thirds of the maximum allowed at the time—to account for your plea.
This plea was a factor influencing the decision against immediate imprisonment.
If circumstances change during the order, either you or your supervising officer can apply to the court for modifications.
It is important to note that if you breach the order or commit another offence while it is active, you can be brought back to court, and all sentencing options, including custody, remain available.
Finally, I have certified that you will be subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for the duration of the probation order, which is three years.
I will now issue the order as described.
