Woman with Down's syndrome sexually assaulted in Inverness
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A woman with Down's syndrome was sexually assaulted by a man with psychological "difficulties" after being followed into her own home by the stranger.
But 38-year-old David Geddes, of Hawthorn Drive, Inverness avoided a jail sentence after Sheriff Gary Aitken read a social work background report and a psychological assessment by a mental health expert.
Instead, Geddes was told he must carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work as a punishment. He must also work with social workers for the next two years. He was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for the same period.
In addition, Sheriff Aitken placed restrictions on Geddes's social media activity, including possessing a mobile phone without permission. He also must not try to hide his internet activity.
Geddes admitted the offence which took place in a city property on April 22, 2018.
The court was told that Geddes saw the woman walking in the street, followed her home and gained access to her home. He then told her to undress, took her trousers off and touched her private parts.
He then lifted her top and touched her breasts before telling her he wanted to have sex with her. Geddes then left the property and police became involved when the victim told a friend what had happened.
Geddes admitted sexual assault with intent to rape a woman who was incapabale of consenting or refusing.
Defence solicitor Rory Gowans, who had presented a psychologist's report to the court, said: "His regret is significant and considerable and he bitterly regrets his conduct. He apologises unreservedly to the woman concerned."
Sheriff Aitken told Geddes: "This is at a point where a custodial sentence is a very real possibility. This must have been a very frightening and concerning incident for the lady involved.
"I have read reports which show that you have difficulties of your own to deal with. I hope I will never see you in court again. But if you did do something like this again or with worse consequences, you are very likely to go to jail."
