Inverness man placed on Sex Offenders' Register over messages to child

Ian Simpson admitted messaging the 12-year-old girl through social media for his own sexual gratification.

The 52-year-old, of Ballifeary Road, Inverness, had previously admitted the offence, which took place between November 28 and December 29 last year.

Sentence had been deferred for reports and this week solicitor advocate Shahid Latif told Inverness Sheriff Court his client was at a loss to explain his actions.

He said Simpson was an individual with no previous convictions and, without trying to minimise the seriousness of the matter, added it had been a "non-contact offence" which was an "error of judgement".

Mr Latif said a background report before the court stated that Simpson's use of alcohol was something which could be addressed by a non-custodial sentence and he was assessed as being at low risk of future offending.

Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood also placed Simpson under social work supervision for three years and ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

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