STUART MOFFETT FROM GALASHIELS SENTENCED AFTER STREET ALTERCATION AND CRIMES IN THE BORDERS
A man in the Scottish Borders was found guilty of raping a 12-year-old girl after communicating with her via Snapchat.Stuart Moffett assaulted the young girl at her home in Hawick following contact made through social media.
Throughout the assault, he made sexual remarks and touched her in a molesting manner.
The 32-year-old, previously residing in Selkirk, faced charges of raping the girl on September 28, 2022.
While he denied certain parts of the allegation, he admitted to having sex with her.
During the trial, defense lawyer Iain Smith told the jury, “He has told you he is guilty of rape.
It is rape to have sex with someone who is 12 years old.” He asked the jury to convict Moffett of rape but to consider removing some parts of the charge.
The jury, however, unanimously convicted him of all charges.
Judge Lord Clark stated, “The jury has convicted you of the serious offence of child rape, and as you’ve heard, the full indictment stands.” He delayed sentencing until August 2 at the Glasgow High Court, calling for an assessment of his background.
Meanwhile, Moffett, who was on bail, was taken into custody and registered as a sex offender.
