Supervision for sexual assault

A TWENTY year old man who sexually assaulted a minor in Lerwick has been placed under supervision for two years.

Asa Tulloch, of St Olaf Street, Lerwick, previously admitted sexually assaulting the girl, who was yet to turn 10 at the time of the first offence, at a local play park and multicourt between June 2012 and August 2013.

The offences involved him touching her over her clothing, placing her hand down his trousers and kissing her on the cheek.

Tulloch was aged 15 and 16 during the time period stated on the charge.

Lerwick Sheriff Court previously heard that the first of the two incidents took place when he offered to walk the girl home after she had been visiting a friend, but she wasn’t at an age to be in a “position to properly assert herself”.

It also heard that Tulloch has fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition causing developmental problems that is “within the criteria for the spectrum of autism”, which was said to be relevant to the charge.

At the court on Thursday, defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had a “high level of need” and suggested that he also had some problems in his upbringing.

Sheriff Philip Mann said the court could have “easily” imposed a custodial sentence.

“But there is more to sentencing than simply punishment,” he said.

He stated that giving “guidance and support” to Tulloch instead of placing him in jail was best for him and society.

“This will not bring any comfort to the young girl or her family,” the sheriff added, but he acknowledged that regardless of any sentence, there would be little solace.

Sheriff Mann placed Tulloch under supervision for two years and put him on the sex offenders’ register.