A paedophile, who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl at a party, has avoided jail and also unpaid work because he was scared he would be “targeted” by other offenders.
Derek Lamond (51), of Arthur Street, Dunfermline, who has a previous conviction for a similar sex offence, appeared for sentencing at the town’s sheriff court.
Lamond, a farm worker, previously admitted that on May 10, at a house in Dunfermline, he sexually assaulted the girl, looked inside her clothing at her breasts and touched her on the breast.
Defence solicitor Gwen Haggerty asked the sheriff not to impose unpaid work.
“The concern is he would become a target. He’s already been targeted because of the press coverage and his car’s been spray-painted,” she said.
“The other offenders would become aware of his offence. There has already been at least one incident.”
Sheriff Derek Reekie said, “This was a very serious offence and, to say the very least, a highly unpleasant one. You also have a previous conviction for a similar offence in 2009.
He said there was “no doubt” the offence would merit a custodial sentence but believed the public could be protected better in the longer-term by a community-based disposal.
He imposed a community payback order with a ten-month tag.
Lamond will remain on the sex offenders’ register for three years.