WILLIAM BETTS FROM ABERLOUR SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS NEAR PITTYVAICH AND FINDOCHTY

In a recent court ruling, William Betts, a 21-year-old man originally from Aberlour in Moray, has been convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offences involving underage girls. The incidents, which took place in different locations, have brought significant attention to Betts's criminal behavior and his subsequent punishment.

Betts appeared before Elgin Sheriff Court to face charges related to two separate incidents involving minors. The first incident involved a 13-year-old girl, who had been reported missing by her mother following a domestic dispute. According to court records, the girl had gone with friends to Betts's parents' restaurant, a local establishment in Aberlour. After her friends left, Betts allegedly pushed her into the restaurant's kitchen area and engaged in inappropriate and lewd conduct. The girl's mother was later informed of the incident, which prompted her to contact the police. Betts was subsequently interviewed by law enforcement officers, during which he admitted to his misconduct.

The second incident involved Betts having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl in a vehicle parked near the Pittyvaich Distillery. Details of this encounter were also presented during the court proceedings, highlighting the gravity of Betts's actions against minors.

During sentencing, Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood took into account Betts's guilty pleas and his time spent on remand. The court initially considered a potential sentence of 21 months in prison but reduced this to 14 months, factoring in the guilty plea and the time Betts had already served in custody. Ultimately, Betts was sentenced to serve eight months in prison. Additionally, the court ordered Betts to be placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes.

The court also heard that Betts had been subjected to violent attacks, which may have contributed to his behavior. The case has garnered considerable media attention, partly due to Betts's familial connection to Leah Betts, a teenager who tragically died after taking ecstasy in 1995. Since January 2016, Betts has been residing in the Findochty area, further emphasizing the local impact of this case.

Overall, the court's decision underscores the severity of sexual offences committed against minors and the importance of justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.