In 2002, the Offender Database reported that the Rev Ian Andrew, then 37, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, pleaded guilty to an attempted sexual assault on a 14-year-old boy. The incident took place at a leisure complex in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, while the minister was visiting the area.
Stonehaven Sheriff Court heard that the victim was drying himself at the Hilton Craigendarroch Hotel leisure club when he realised Andrew was watching him. When the boy moved to the toilets, Andrew followed him, stood behind him, and attempted to touch the child intimately. The boy repeatedly said “no” and was left very upset before reporting the matter to his parents and the police.
Position of Trust and Church Sanctions
The procurator fiscal reported that the assault occurred on 16 July 2002. Andrew’s solicitor, Denis Daun, stated that the minister thought the boy was considerably older, but accepted that his actions caused alarm and distress. At the time, Andrew was a married man with two young daughters and served a congregation in Musselburgh, near Edinburgh.
Following the guilty plea, Andrew faced an internal trial within the Church of Scotland. His solicitor emphasised that the sanctions from the church were expected to be more severe than those of the court. He remained suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the church’s investigation.
Sentence and Registration
For his crimes in Ballater, Ian Andrew was:
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.
- Had his sentence deferred for four months for background reports.
The court reported that the victim’s quick actions in telling his parents ensured the minister was apprehended shortly after the incident on Royal Deeside.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Andrew is managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland. His residency in Musselburgh, East Lothian, and his history in Aberdeenshire remain under scrutiny.
As a former minister who abused a position of perceived moral authority, any attempt to return to a role involving the supervision of minors or vulnerable people is strictly prohibited. Police Scotland emphasises that all reports of attempted assault in public spaces are taken seriously to ensure the safety of families using leisure facilities.
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