STEVEN POLLOCK FROM MAYBOLE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEX WITH 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN AYRSHIRE

In a case that has sparked outrage and widespread condemnation, Steven Pollock, a 22-year-old man from Maybole, Ayrshire, was recently involved in a disturbing incident involving a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place in October last year during a birthday celebration held at a private residence, where Pollock engaged in sexual activity with the young girl.

According to reports, the girl had consumed alcohol including beer, cider, Buckfast, and vodka at the party, which was attended by other minors. During the event, she confided in Pollock about her age, to which he responded with a troubling suggestion: “Just pretend you’re 16 for the night.” This comment, along with their subsequent sexual encounter, has become a focal point of the case.

Following the incident, the girl disclosed to her mother that she had been involved with Pollock. The mother, who has chosen to remain unnamed, expressed her profound disappointment and anger over the legal outcome. She criticized the sentencing, describing it as an “absolute disgrace” and a message that individuals like Pollock can act with impunity. She stated, “He ruined my wee girl’s life and he ruined my life — we’ve been left devastated.”

Legal proceedings revealed that Pollock was initially charged with rape; however, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of sexual activity with a child, a decision that has caused further controversy. The court heard that the sexual activity was deemed to have been consensual, a conclusion that has been met with significant public and professional criticism. Anne Houston of CHILDREN 1ST questioned the appropriateness of deeming a 13-year-old girl capable of giving consent, emphasizing the gravity of such cases.

During the hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Turnbull acknowledged the efforts of Pollock’s legal team, which contributed to the reduction of the charges. The judge remarked that the conduct involved was “arising out of consensual conduct rather than conduct which involved any form of force, grooming or manipulation.”

As part of his sentence, Pollock was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service and to participate in a sex offender treatment program. Additionally, he will be subject to supervision for a period of three years, with the court reserving the right to take further action should he breach any conditions.

The case has also highlighted the community’s reaction, with some locals expressing disdain for Pollock, while the victim’s mother voiced her concern that her daughter might face harassment for speaking out. She stated, “It’s nothing to do with me if Pollock is being hassled. This is obviously down to folk who don’t like paedophiles — I don’t feel sorry for him.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Crown Office expressed regret that the victim’s mother felt let down by the justice system, emphasizing that sentencing decisions are solely at the discretion of the judge. The case continues to evoke strong emotions and ongoing debate about the adequacy of legal responses to such serious offenses.