Inverness court hears Tain man does not understand “appropriate” behaviour
A man who assaulted two girls and forced them to watch pornography has been made subject of severe restrictions regarding his contact with females under 18.
As an alternative to prison John McDonald (46), who had spent several months on remand, had a three year non-harassment order imposed on him at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday.
Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald said this was to protect the girls who, the court heard, were under 13 at the time he committed sexual offences against both and physically assaulted one of them.
The offences occurred some time between 2013 and 2021 at properties in Inverness-shire and Ross-shire.
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McDonald, from Tain, showed the girls pornography on TV and uttered sexual comments in their presence.
One of his victims was also struck on the face and body with a pizza which he then held over her face and restricted her breathing.
His solicitor advocate, Clare Russell, told the court: "A psychological report has been done on my client and he has mental health difficulties resulting in him having a complete misunderstanding of what is appropriate and what is inappropriate."
Sheriff Macdonald told McDonald, designated as an Inverness prisoner: "These are girls who looked up to you and you behaved appallingly towards them.
“They have been deeply affected by your behaviour and I could easily send you to jail.
"But I accept what you solicitor says, that you need some help. I am not sure you know that your behaviour was wrong and you need to get some direction."
The sheriff placed McDonald under three years of social work supervision, ordered him to participate in a rehabilitation programme for sex offenders and placed him on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the same period.
Conduct requirements include not to approach or communicate with any child under the age of 18 without prior permission from his supervising officers; to report any friendship or relationship with anyone who has a child under the age of 18; and to allow inspection of any internet-enabled devices he may own.
