ZAI VESSEY OF SHETLAND SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR UNDER-AGE SEX IN GLASGOW

An apprentice mechanic from Shetland, Zai Vessey, was sentenced to three years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with two underage girls. The court was informed that Vessey, 22 years old, already had a prior conviction for similar offenses and was on probation at the time of the latest incident.

Following a trial held at the High Court in Aberdeen, Vessey was convicted of unlawful sex with a 14-year-old girl at a residence in Lerwick in 2010 and with a 15-year-old girl in Shetland in 2012. The court clarified that he was not guilty of requesting naked photographs from the 14-year-old or sending her images of himself, nor was he guilty of raping the older girl.

Judge Johanna Johnston QC condemned Vessey, stating, "You have exploited these young women. One was 14 and the other girl was 15. You committed one of these offences while you had an analogous conviction and were on probation. Had this been a case where you were significantly older than these girls, I would have taken a very different view."

During the trial, Vessey maintained his innocence on all charges. Nevertheless, he was ordered to register as a sex offender.

The court revealed that he had sexual relations with the 14-year-old girl when he was 17, and with the 15-year-old girl when he was 19. Solicitor advocate John Keenan stated, "My client has completed three years of a four-year HGV mechanic apprenticeship. His former employer will allow him to finish his apprenticeship upon his release. He will have employment opportunities and will reside with his family."

Vessey also runs and is part owner of Lv Mechanical Services, based in Mossbank, Shetland.