SCOTT MORLAND FROM BRECHIN FACES JAIL AFTER PREYING ON UNDERAGE GIRLS ONLINE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Brechin, Scott Morland has been found guilty of engaging in a series of predatory online behaviors targeting underage girls. The incident came to light after authorities uncovered a pattern of grooming and sexual communication that spanned over a year, involving multiple victims aged as young as 13.

Morland, a 19-year-old resident of Watson Watt Place in Brechin, Angus, was brought before Dundee Sheriff Court to face serious charges under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act. The case revealed that Morland had met a total of seven underage girls through social media platforms, befriending them with the apparent intent of pursuing sexual relationships despite knowing their young ages.

The investigation was initiated after social workers monitoring one of his victims, a 13-year-old girl, discovered a series of messages from Morland. These messages, which were later seized by police from his phone, detailed a disturbing pattern of persistent sexual advances and explicit requests. Over the course of more than a year, Morland sent numerous messages to this girl and six others, many of which contained explicit language and propositions.

Prosecutor Trina Sinclair outlined the gravity of Morland’s actions during the court proceedings. She explained that Morland had engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl after repeatedly messaging her three to four times daily, eventually meeting her in person. The girl later told him she no longer wished to continue their relationship due to his relentless pursuit of sex.

The court heard that Morland’s first known contact was with a 13-year-old girl he met on Facebook. He inquired about her virginity and asked for oral sex, making comments that referenced her age, such as “I don’t want any pregnant 13-year-olds.” Although she recognized his creepiness and refused to meet him, Morland continued his online pursuit.

Another victim, also 13, met Morland at an ice rink where he worked. She declined his advances, but he persisted by requesting naked pictures and proposing a friends-with-benefits arrangement. A third girl, aged 14, was befriended online, and Morland’s messages to her eventually escalated to asking for sex, with over 1,100 SMS messages exchanged between them.

Morland’s interactions with a fifth girl, aged 13, involved requests for sex and nude images, despite being aware of her age. The sixth victim, also 13, exchanged over 1,160 messages with him, and they met at his home on the evening of November 27, 2015. During their meeting, they played a game involving asking questions and removing clothing when wrong answers were given. Morland later inquired whether protection would have been used if they had gone further, expressing concern about the age gap and secrecy.

Morland pleaded guilty to nine charges related to sexual offences committed between January 1, 2015, and February 1, 2016. His defense solicitor, Angela McLardy, stated that Morland lives with his parents and is employed full-time at Domino’s Pizza, where he is listed as a shift manager on his Facebook profile.

In her sentencing remarks, Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting the involvement of multiple victims and the disturbing nature of Morland’s conduct. She deferred sentencing until next month and released Morland on bail in the meantime, but made it clear that the case warrants significant punishment. Morland was also placed on the sex offenders register for three years and received a community payback order requiring 270 hours of unpaid work, three years of supervision, participation in sex offender groupwork programs, and conditions regarding his housing and contact with children.