Four girls subject to sexual remarks by Inverness man

Four young girls were subjected to sexual remarks and indecent behaviour by an Inverness man almost exactly a year apart.

Three of the incidents took place on April 11, 2022 and April 11, 2023 with a fourth between those dates on April 18, 2022.

Three of the victims were under 13 and the other was under 16 years of age when Warren Maclean (47) of Gordonville Road, Inverness approached them.

Two of the girls involved in the 2022 offences were sexually assaulted by Maclean who exposed his underwear and pulled them towards him and one on to the ground.

They occurred in Dalneigh Park and the nearby St Valery Park a week apart.

Then a year later in Barn Church Road, Maclean approached the other two girls, unbuttoned and unzipped his lower clothing before asking them if they wanted to see his penis.

Maclean appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court by video link and admitted two charges of sexual assault and two of obtaining sexual gratification by his actions and comments.

He was represented by solicitor advocate Shahid Latif who told Sheriff David Harvie that although the case could be dealt with immediately, a background report may be helpful in view of his client's previous convictions.

Sheriff Harvie agreed, noting: "This offending is different to what he has done before."

He deferred sentence and consideration of fiscal depute Emily Hood's motion for a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until January 9.

Maclean was further remanded in custody and immediately placed on the Sex Offender's Register.