A judge may decide to publish a statement after passing sentence on an offender in cases where there is particular public interest; where a case has legal significance; or where providing the reasons for the decision might assist public understanding.
Please note that statements may include graphic details of offences when it is necessary to fully explain the reasons behind a sentencing decision. Follow us if you wish to receive alerts as soon as statements are published. Once charges are spent , any statement in relation to them is removed and cannot be provided or acknowledged. Statements published before the launch of the website may be available on request. Please email judicialcomms scotcourts.
When deciding a sentence, a judge must deal with the offence that the offender has been convicted of, taking into account the unique circumstances of each particular case. The judge will carefully consider the facts that are presented to the Court by both the prosecution and by the defence. For more information about how judges decide sentences; what sentences are available; and matters such as temporary release, see the independent Scottish Sentencing Council website.
Read more about victims of crime and sentencing. Read more about civil judgments. On sentencing Lord Matthews said: "You pleaded guilty to three offences involving sexual conduct towards three young boys. The first of the complainers was 13 at the time and you engaged in mutual masturbation. The second was 15 and you masturbated him, performed oral sex on him, induced him to penetrate your anus with his penis and then penetrated his mouth with yours, albeit for a short time.
The third was also 15 and you masturbated him and induced him to penetrate your anus with his penis. Who knows what effect this will have on them as they grow up? I have considered the terms of the report and listened to what has been said on your behalf by your Counsel.
