Gavin Jackson

Gavin Jackson, 37, from Dundee, was found guilty by a jury at Dundee Sheriff Court of two serious sexual offences against teenagers. Despite denying the allegations, Jackson was convicted of taking advantage of the young women, who were in their teens at the time, while he was in his 30s, by pressuring unwanted sexual advances on them.

Sheriff Alastair Carmichael remarked during sentencing, "The jury convicted you of two serious offences. Both involved taking advantage of the complainers and pressuring unwanted sexual advances on them. You did this while you were in your 30s and these two women were then in their teens. The victim impact statements make clear the negative impact that your actions have had." Jackson, already on the sex offenders register for life from a previous conviction for targeting young women, showed little mitigation, with his defence solicitor Doug McConnell presenting a letter from the charity With You about his efforts to address substance addiction.

The solicitor noted, "He appreciates the nature of the matter and would work with anybody willing to work with him. His position is the same as it was at the trial." An extended sentence of 30 months in prison and 12 months in the community was imposed, along with lifelong sex offender notification requirements. Sheriff Carmichael also granted seven-year non-harassment orders for the victims. The case was covered in The Courier's court round-up.