STEVE ROACH SHOCKS PAISLEY WITH SEXUAL COMMENT ON FERGUSLIE MAIN ROAD
In December 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded on the streets of Paisley, specifically along Ferguslie Main Road, involving a man named Steven Roach.The 31-year-old, who resides on Candren Road in Ferguslie Park, was seen acting in a predatory manner towards a young girl, raising serious concerns about public safety and child protection in the area.
According to court proceedings at Paisley Sheriff Court, Roach was observed riding his mountain bike in a suspicious manner, lurking around the neighborhood when he spotted a 15-year-old girl walking alone.
The girl was on her way to dance lessons, unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
As she made her way along Ferguslie Main Road, Roach approached her on his white mountain bike, riding in the opposite direction.
Witnesses and the court heard that Roach had been cycling with his left foot dangling from the pedal, a sign that he was intentionally slowing down to approach the girl.
As he drew closer, he slowed his bike and took both feet off the pedals, signaling his intent to engage with her.
It was at this moment that Roach made a highly inappropriate and obscene remark, saying, “I am looking for a new f*** buddy.
I think it should be you.” The young girl, understandably terrified by the encounter, immediately contacted her mother to request her presence.
She described the incident to her mother, who then took swift action.
The mother jumped into her car and began searching the streets of Ferguslie for Roach, who was still riding his bike.
During this search, she spotted him crossing a grassy area and confronted him directly.
According to the court, the mother drove alongside Roach and questioned him about the comment made to her daughter.
Roach attempted to cycle away, but the mother persisted, asking if he had indeed spoken to her daughter in such a manner.
His response was dismissive, claiming, “Well she didn’t look 15.
She looked a lot older than that.” Roach’s attempt to downplay the situation did not go unnoticed.
He later tried to apologize to the girl’s mother, claiming he was “really sorry” for his actions.
Law enforcement officials, who interviewed the family, obtained CCTV footage of the incident, which allowed them to identify and trace Roach’s whereabouts.
Following his arrest, Roach was charged with intentionally directing a sexual comment at a minor, specifically an obscene sexual remark.
He pleaded guilty to the charge and was subsequently placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
Sheriff Tom McCartney emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating that a Criminal Justice Social Work Report would be obtained before sentencing.
The sheriff also noted that Roach would be subject to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.
Roach is scheduled to appear in court next month, where he will learn his fate.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents about safety and the importance of vigilance in the community, especially for young children walking alone in public spaces.
