By Dave Lord

A CONVICTED sex offender who subjected a Perth schoolgirl to a terrifying ordeal, pinning her against a fence and claiming he would show her what a “proper rapist” would do, was jailed for two years yesterday.

In 2002 Martin Miller was given three years’ probation for an indecent assault—and told not to have employment or involvement with children.

However, at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday he admitted to approaching and following a 14-year-old girl on a path from Dunkeld Road to the Lade and on to Bracken Brae, Primrose Crescent and Tulloch Square, all Perth, on August 25.

Miller, of Arran Road, admitted breaching the peace by approaching her, engaging her in conversation and pushing his body against her, all to her fear and alarm.

Yesterday, the court heard how the 23-year-old approached the teenager as he thought she looked “nice.”

Depute fiscal Robbie Brown previously gave details of the offence.

“The incident happened as the girl was walking her dog at around 8pm on the evening in question,” he said.

“She had seen the accused crossing the road and he followed her along a pathway and then approached her.

“He initially asked her where she lived. She told him the area of Perth in which she resides and he then asked her name.”

The depute fiscal said Miller’s intentions quickly became clear.

“The accused continued a conversation...saying he would walk the complainer home, and then said, ‘This is what a proper rapist would do.’

“He put his hand on her chest and pushed her against a fence.” Miller then pushed his body against the girl’s, Mr Brown said.

“The accused stated, ‘If I was a rapist I would do this to you. Do you want me to show you?’

“She said ‘no’ but he continued by saying, ‘I have been in jail for three years and have been on a course for rapists.’

“The girl was understandably scared by this and managed to wriggle free.”

Miller then said he wanted to kiss the complainer goodbye.

“At this point the girl saw some of her friends and the accused walked off,” Mr Brown said. “She went home and the police were contacted.”

During initial interviews Miller allegedly denied acting in the manner described, insisting he would not “throw away” the good work he had already done with the Tay Project for sex offenders following his 2002 offence.

However, he yesterday admitted the charge, and accepted his behaviour was “unacceptable.”

Mr Brown said the crime had left the schoolgirl struggling to cope with emotional scars.

“She has tried to blank out what happened but she has not always been successful,” the depute fiscal said.

“She has also become more tetchy and her family say she is increasingly likely to lose her temper.

“Although she had never been in trouble at school before, she is now experiencing some problems which, it is felt, can be attributed to this offence.”

Solicitor Jamie Baxter said reports prepared for the court showed Miller had “problems that need to be dealt with” and may even be suffering from a personality disorder.

“He simply thought the girl and the dog looked nice and he wanted to speak to them,” he said.

“He accepts his behaviour was unacceptable...but he stopped when the girl made it clear she did not want to be touched by him.”

Sentencing Miller Sheriff Robert McCreadie said, “You can understand why a 14-year-old girl would be extremely scared by this.

“You have a conviction for indecent assault and are also classed as posing a high risk of re-offending. I believe custody is appropriate in this case.”

Sheriff McCreadie added that, on release from prison, Miller will be under supervision for 12 months and will not be allowed any unsupervised contact with girls aged 16 and under.

Miller’s name was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.