In 2021, the Offender Database reported that Stuart Thomson, then 43, of Marine Parade Walk, Dundee, Angus, narrowly avoided a prison sentence for a “vile” assault on a sleeping woman. On Wednesday, 3 February 2021, Thomson appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court for sentencing after pleading guilty on indictment to a “vicious” sexual assault.
The investigation established that the incident occurred on 11 December 2019 at an address on Marine Parade Walk, Dundee, Angus. Thomson, a former supermarket manager with Morrisons, targeted the woman while she was asleep, touching her private parts under her clothing. The prosecution reported that Thomson was a first-time offender and that sentencing had been deferred to allow the preparation of social work reports to determine his risk to the public.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
Sheriff Gregor Murray emphasised that while a “significant” sexual assault had occurred, he had to balance several factors, including Thomson’s lack of previous convictions. The court reported that a social work report deemed Thomson to be at low risk of reoffending and suggested that a direct alternative to custody was possible. Thomson’s solicitor emphasised that a Community Payback Order (CPO) would provide the necessary supervision without the need for immediate incarceration.
The judge emphasised that the offence had taken place some time ago and that no specific treatment programmes were recommended by the report authors. However, the prosecution emphasised that the “despicable” nature of the assault, violating a victim in her sleep, required “serious” monitoring. For his crimes in Dundee, the court determined that Thomson would be given an opportunity to comply with community-based restrictions rather than being sent to jail.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Scotland, Stuart Thomson was handed:
- Community Payback Order: Two years of supervision by the local authority.
- Unpaid Work: Ordered to complete 260 hours of unpaid work in the community.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for two years.
- Conviction: Pled guilty to one count of sexual assault.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Thomson is managed by the Tayside Division of Police Scotland and local social work departments. Due to the “vile” nature of targeting a sleeping victim, his compliance with the CPO is under the scrutiny of the Public Protection Unit in Dundee.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Thomson must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in Marine Parade Walk, Dundee. Authorities state that the two-year registration period is a critical tool to ensure he is monitored following his “vicious” breach of the victim’s safety. Any breach of his registration conditions, his unpaid work requirements, or his supervision terms will result in his immediate arrest and return to Dundee Sheriff Court for re-sentencing.
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