In 2024, the Offender Database reported that Shaun Young, then 21, of Maybole, South Ayrshire, was sentenced at Livingston Sheriff Court, West Lothian. Young, a farming student, was spared a custodial sentence but placed under strict electronic monitoring following a sexual assault on a female student.
The investigation established that the offence occurred in December 2021 during a “drunken” Christmas celebration at Oatridge Agricultural College (now Scotland’s Rural College) in Ecclesmachan, West Lothian. Young “viciously” approached the victim from behind, placed his hands around her torso, and seized her by both breasts.
Restricted Plea and Withdrawal of Charges
The court reported that Young pleaded guilty on the morning his trial was due to commence. This resulted in a “significant restriction” of the original complaint. The Crown accepted his not guilty plea regarding allegations of attempting to administer a “date-rape” drug. Furthermore, additional charges were withdrawn, which had been alleged:
- Second Sexual Assault: Grabbing the breasts of another female student.
- Indecent Exposure: Exposing himself to two women with “vile” intent.
Sheriff James MacDonald emphasised that had Young been convicted of the original, more extensive complaint, he would have been jailed immediately. Despite the restricted plea, the Sheriff noted the “abhorrent” impact the assault had on the victim.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “depraved” conduct in West Lothian, Shaun Young was handed the following:
- Restriction of Liberty Order (RLO): Electronic monitoring restricting him to his home address in Maybole, South Ayrshire, between 9:30 pm and 6:30 am for 162 days.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for 5 years.
- Alternative to Custody: The Sheriff noted the offence met the custodial threshold but opted for community-based monitoring due to a “positive” social work report.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Young is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland. His status in the Maybole area remains under “critical” scrutiny to ensure compliance with his home curfew.
As a registered sex offender until 2029, Young must comply with all notification requirements regarding his address and any changes to his circumstances. Police Scotland state that any breach of his electronic monitoring or his registration conditions will result in his immediate return to Livingston Sheriff Court, where a custodial sentence will likely be activated.
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