In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Robert Finlay, 52, of Greenock, Renfrewshire, was spared a prison sentence after being convicted of sexual assault and stalking. On appearing at Greenock Sheriff Court for sentencing, it was reported that Finlay forced his way into a woman’s home and assaulted her while she was vulnerable. The court reported that the defendant entered the property uninvited while the victim was covered only in a towel, before physically forcing himself upon her.
The investigation established that Finlay was a persistent offender who had also targeted a second victim. Police Scotland reported that over a 15-month period, Finlay engaged in a course of conduct that amounted to stalking, which included repeatedly approaching the second woman at her home and in public places, as well as making inappropriate sexual comments. The prosecution reported that despite the severity of the forced entry and the duration of the stalking, the court opted for a community-based disposal in Greenock, Renfrewshire.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Finlay’s behaviour demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety and privacy of women. Greenock Sheriff Court heard how he had terrorised his victims through both physical intrusion and prolonged psychological harassment. The prosecution reported that during the trial, evidence was presented detailing the 15 months of stalking, which highlighted the defendant’s predatory fixation on his targets in the Greenock area.
Sheriff Harry Small noted that while the threshold for custody had been met, a community payback order would allow for intensive supervision. For his actions in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Finlay was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. The judge noted that the two-year supervision requirement would ensure that social workers can monitor his behaviour and attempt to address his offending patterns within the community.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Scotland, Robert Finlay was handed:
- Community Payback Order: Two years of supervision by social workers.
- Unpaid Work: 200 hours to be completed within a specified timeframe.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Greenock Sheriff Court following a trial conviction.
- Origin: Greenock, Renfrewshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Finlay is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland and the National Probation Service in the Greenock area. Due to the nature of the forced entry and the 15-month stalking campaign in Greenock, Renfrewshire, his management is subject to oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Finlay must comply with notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of forcing entry into homes and making sexual advances necessitates permanent and stringent monitoring of his conduct. Any further sexual misconduct or breach of his community payback order in Greenock, Paisley, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for a custodial sentence.
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