Inverness man sent inappropriate messages to girl (12)

A MAN has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for sending social media messages to a 12-year-old girl for his own sexual gratification.

Ian Simpson (52) of Ballifeary Road, Inverness, had previously admitted the offence, which took place between November 28 and December 29 last year.

Appearing at Inverness Sheriff Court for sentencing last week solicitor advocate Shahid Latif told Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood his client was at a loss to explain why he did it.

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

He also added reports stated Simpson’s use of alcohol was something which could be addressed by a non-custodial sentence and was assessed as being at low risk of future offending.

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

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