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Court / Teenager sent indecent messages to underage girls

A LERWICK teenager who took advantage of four underage girls by communicating sexually and indecently with them via Snapchat escaped a jail sentence when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Lewis Barclay, of Commercial Road, aged 19, had previously pleaded guilty to four charges, including sending photos of himself in a state of undress and requesting the same from the girls affected, who were all between the age of 13 and 16.

The court had previously heard how Barclay’s requests had made them feel uncomfortable.

The offences took place on various occasions between 1 May last year and 1 January 2020 when Barclay was 17 and 18.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said naivety and a lack of maturity had played a major part in his client getting involved in this.

He added that Barclay had already lost his job and “possibly a career” as a direct result of his behaviour.

Sheriff Robert Mcdonald said Barclay should be in no doubt about the seriousness of the offence, something he could go to jail for.

He ordered him to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work and put him under supervision for two years.

The sheriff added that the sentence was imposed as an alternative to custody.

If you have been affected by crime, help is available. Whether you are victim, a witness, or the accused, you can find independent, impartial, and confidential support in Shetland.

For victims of general crime:

For anyone affected by crime & harm seeking a restorative approach:

For anyone affected by gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual assault, and rape:

Shetland Women’s Aid

Phone: 01595 692070
Web: https://www.shetlandwa.org
Email: office@shetlandwa.org

The Compass Centre (Shetland Rape Crisis)

Phone: 01595 744402 or 08088 010302
Web: https://www.compasscentre.org
Email: contact@compasscentre.org

For anyone affected by substance use:

Shetland Recovery Hub and Community Network

Phone: 01595 744402
Web: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075791869200
Email: recoveryhub@shetland.gov.uk

Shetland Alcohol & Drug Partnership

Phone: 01595 743060 or 07342 077789
Web: https://shetlandadp.org.uk
Email: shet.sadp@nhs.scot

Substance Use Recovery Service

Phone: 01595 743006

 
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