SCOTT GORRIE'S PERTH PLOT: STALKING AND DECEPTION LEADS TO OVER TWO YEARS BEHIND BARS

A man from Perth, Scott Gorrie, has been sentenced to more than two and a half years in prison after orchestrating a complex scheme designed to manipulate and terrify a woman under his watch. His actions, which exploited her fears concerning her estranged husband, caused her significant distress, anxiety, and ultimately led her to take time off work due to stress-related issues.

Gorrie, aged 43, previously admitted to charges including stalking, attempting to pervert the course of justice on two occasions, and breaching bail conditions. The sentencing took place at Perth Sheriff Court on Thursday, where he was sentenced to a term of two years and eight months in prison. Additionally, he was issued a three-year non-harassment order, prohibiting any contact with the victim, as confirmed by the Crown Office.

The case originated in May of the previous year when police responded to a domestic complaint at the woman's residence. Following this incident, Gorrie made contact with her through online channels. During their communication, she expressed her fears that her estranged husband was somehow monitoring her movements or keeping tabs on her activities. These concerns became the foundation of Gorrie’s subsequent actions.

Starting in mid-June, Gorrie, who portrayed himself as a single father of two, began fabricating a story rooted in her fears. According to prosecutors, he sent her messages that suggested both she and he were being followed or watched. The tone and content of these messages served to reinforce her belief that her ex-husband was actively surveilling her and had malicious intentions against her. Gorrie’s messages also conveyed that he was in personal danger, which made his communications increasingly alarming and frightening for the woman.

The deception unraveled when the victim contacted police to report her concerns about her ex-husband’s behavior. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Gorrie took steps to conceal his involvement, attempting to cover up his manipulative actions. The investigation into his conduct was thorough, involving both police and Scotland’s anti-corruption unit (ACU).

Les Brown, who oversees criminal allegations within the police division, emphasized the damaging impact of stalking, stating, “Stalking can have a devastating and lasting impact on the lives of victims. Scott Gorrie knowingly placed a vulnerable woman in a state of fear and alarm through his criminal behaviour. This was a full and thorough investigation by prosecutors and Police Scotland's anti-corruption unit (ACU), and I am grateful to all involved for their assistance in securing today's outcome.”