An Angus man who attempted to look up a 15-year-old girl’s skirt has been placed on the sex offenders register.
The girl was walking home from school when she was approached by drunk Ronald Herald (57), who was stripped to the waist.
Herald, of Coronation Way, Montrose, appeared before Sheriff Derek Pyle at Arbroath Sheriff Court on Tuesday and admitted that on March 24 at Murray Street, Montrose, he assaulted a 15-year-old girl and walked alongside her, placed his arm round her shoulder, repeatedly seized her by the arm and conducted himself in a disorderly manner and attempted to look up her skirt and committed a breach of the peace.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said police had identified a drunk man in the High Street around 4.35pm on the day in question. He was bare to the waist and was advised about his conduct. Officers took alcohol from him and sent him on his way.
“The complainer was walking along the High Street and as she reached the junction she became aware of the accused ahead of her,” Ms Drummond said. “He dropped his jersey and made eye contact. She smiled out of politeness.
“He caught up with her and put his arm round her shoulder and tried to engage in conversation.”
The court heard Herald was not making much sense because he was drunk.
Ms Drummond said Herald asked the girl’s age and when she told him she was 15 he said he should not be speaking to her. He kept walking with her, however, occasionally grabbing her arm.
“She became alarmed by his behaviour,” Ms Drummond said. “He asked if she had wet herself and began to laugh. He bent down to look up her skirt. He then began singing.”
People nearby witnessed what was happening and the police were called.
Defence agent Nick Markowski said his client had a long-standing alcohol problem but added that he was well supported now and was living a sober life in the community.
Mr Markowski said Herald had no recollection of the event and wished to apologise.
Sheriff Pyle said: “I think there is a significant sexual nature to this.”
He said he would continue consideration of the matter until October 25, when Herald has other matters calling. The sheriff placed him on the sex offenders register in the meantime.
Herald was ordered to be of good behaviour until his next appearance.