Barrie Cameron

A 42-year-old man from Perth, Barrie Cameron, has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a woman he befriended during the coronavirus lockdown. The incident occurred after a prolonged period of stalking and harassment that left the victim distressed and anxious.

According to reports from Perthshire Advertiser and Daily Record, Cameron's behaviour began in March 2020, during the early stages of the UK's lockdown measures. He engaged in a course of conduct that caused the woman fear or alarm, including entering her home uninvited, following her, staring at her, and making offensive comments. On one occasion, he barged into her home and repeatedly banged on the walls, escalating the intimidation.

The sexual assault took place on 25 July 2020 in Perth city centre, specifically at Horner’s Lane, where Cameron struck the woman on the buttocks. This act followed months of unwanted attention that started innocently but turned menacing. The victim, who had initially befriended Cameron during the isolating lockdown period, was left deeply affected by his actions.

• Course of conduct: 1 March to 14 August 2020
• Sexual assault: 25 July 2020
• Resistance to arrest: 14 August 2020

When police attempted to arrest Cameron at his home on 14 August 2020, he resisted violently, struggling with PCs Scott Duffin and Emma Irons. The court heard that Cameron's actions were influenced by his 'difficulty with alcohol', which his solicitor described as leading to behaviour 'out of character'. The solicitor noted, 'He’s willing and able to undertake unpaid work and the non-harassment order isn’t opposed.'

At Perth Sheriff Court, Sheriff Pino Di Emidio imposed a community payback order as a direct alternative to custody. Cameron was ordered to complete 105 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and be supervised for two years. He was also added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for two years and received a two-year non-harassment order banning contact with the victim. The sheriff acknowledged that Cameron had been remanded in custody since 17 August 2020, equivalent to three months behind bars, which factored into the non-custodial sentence. Progress will be reviewed on 20 January 2021.

The case highlights the vulnerabilities exposed during lockdown, where social isolation led to unexpected connections turning harmful. Police in Perthshire investigated the matter, with the prosecuting authority linked to the local force in the region.