In 2024, the Offender Database reported that David Burnett, then 46, of Laird’s Walk, Boddam, Aberdeenshire, was jailed for 27 months at Peterhead Sheriff Court. Burnett admitted to a campaign of abuse and behaviour against two women over a period of two years.
The investigation by Police Scotland’s cybercrime unit revealed that Burnett participated in an online group chat with 30 individuals. In this forum, members used language and urged Burnett to rape one of his victims regardless of her lack of consent. Officers discovered 573 pages of messages detailing his communications.
Assaults and Coercion
The court reported that Burnett pursued his first victim, asking for photographs and sex. When she refused his advances, Burnett attempted to force himself on her, pinning her to a bed and exposing her chest.
His conduct towards a second victim included:
- Coerced Self-Harm: Burnett demanded the woman cut herself during a FaceTime video. The fiscal depute reported that he smirked as she carried out the act.
- Blackmail: He threatened to expose photographs of the woman to her husband.
- Harassment: Despite being told to stop, he continued his messaging until the police were alerted.
Sheriff Craig Findlater noted that the nature of these offences required a custodial sentence.
Sentence and Protection Orders
For his crimes in Boddam and Peterhead, David Burnett was:
- Sentenced to 27 months in prison.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
- Handed a 15-year non-harassment order prohibiting contact with his victims.
The judge noted that while Burnett lacked previous convictions, his offending over two years was a matter for the court.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Burnett is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland. His residency in Boddam, Aberdeenshire, and his digital history remain under scrutiny.
As a registered sex offender, Burnett must comply with notification requirements. Police Scotland states that individuals who use digital platforms to incite violence or coerce self-harm will face justice. Any breach of his 15-year non-harassment order will result in his return to Peterhead Sheriff Court.
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