STUART SCOTT FROM CATRINE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING CHILDREN IN AYR AND EAST AYRSHIRE

In March 2012, Stuart Scott, a 26-year-old man from Catrine, was sentenced to 35 months in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving two young girls. The court heard that Scott, who was employed as a primary school teacher and a coach for a junior football team, exploited his trusted positions to groom and sexually abuse his victims.

Sheriff Desmond Leslie, presiding over the case, condemned Scott’s actions, stating, “You took advantage of the innocence and naivety of these two girls in pursuit of your own gratification.” The court revealed that Scott had used the guise of his coaching role to lure one of the girls, taking advantage of her trust and youth.

It was also disclosed that Scott had exploited his position as a teacher to groom the victims online. One of the girls was sexually assaulted in his car, and he coerced her into going topless during a webcam chat. In a further disturbing act, Scott performed a sex act while another victim watched via webcam, highlighting the extent of his predatory behavior.

The case drew attention to the fact that Scott’s employment history included a prior conviction for theft. Despite being fined £500 in February 2007 for embezzling £3,779.60 from Bridgend Motors in Auchinleck, East Ayrshire Council employed him as a teacher in 2007. This decision was made despite awareness of his criminal record, raising serious questions about the vetting process.

Local MP Sandra Osborne expressed her concern, stating, “It’s unfortunate, to put it mildly, that he was put in a position of trust in the first place.” The council’s education and social services boss, Graham Short, confirmed that Scott’s criminal history was known at the time of his employment, but he was still hired.

Scott’s past criminal activity also included a fine for theft in January 2006. Following his recent convictions for indecency charges, Scott has been placed on the sex offenders register. He is scheduled for sentencing later, with the court emphasizing the gravity of his offenses and the breach of trust involved in his actions.