Kinross man (54) on sex register

May 28 2010 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A 54-YEAR-OLD Kinross man who made indecent and offensive remarks to two local schoolgirls in the town’s main street was jailed for four months at Perth Sheriff Court this week.

Arthur Robert Davidson, of High Street, also had his name added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.

The incident, which involved girls aged 14 and 16, took place in Kinross High Street on January 7. He also behaved in an indecent manner towards them.

The court was told that the accused had asked the girls to go into a local shop and buy tobacco for him as he was barred.

They said they were too young and he then engaged them in conversation.

After he made the vile remarks, they flagged down a passing police car.

Solicitor Cheryl Clark said Davidson has a “long-standing alcohol problem” and that had been the catalyst for him to seek help.

“The offence was out of character but he accepts he did behave in this way.

“He does recall exchanging words between himself and the two girls but very little else.”

Ms Clark said that although the accused’s behaviour had been “highly inappropriate” she suggested there hadn’t been any sexual motives.

But Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said the accused had accepted the Crown’s narration of events in which he had grabbed the 14-year-old’s hand and pulled it towards his trousers.

The Sheriff added: “I am satisfied this offence had a significant sexual element and accordingly I will make you subject to registration.”

The accused had been given the chance of probation and had been jailed but still offended.

“In the circumstances, having regard to the background report, I consider that the only appropriate disposal is one of custody.”