Golspie man ordered to stay away from two teenage girls
A FORMER Sutherland school bus driver has been ordered to stay away from two local schoolgirls.
Peter Sutherland, of Golspie, was given a three-year non-harassment order at Tain Sheriff Court yesterday.
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood told him not to approach or attempt to contact the girls, aged 16 and 14.
The 43-year-old had previously admitted causing the girls fear and alarm by repeatedly driving past them and watching them, as well as possessing photos of the older girl without her knowledge and going to her home uninvited.
He did so on various occasions between June and September last year.
Procurator fiscal Stewart MacIver told yesterday’s court that Sutherland became acquainted with the girls through his role with Highland Council as a bus driver.
“It would appear he was friendly with them and other children,” said the fiscal.
Defence agent Jack Gowans said that his client had learning difficulties.
“He has learned a very hard lesson that his behaviour was not acceptable,” he said
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood pointed out that Sutherland had been in on remand in relation to the offences from 1st December to 29th January.
“He has served the equivalent of a four month sentence and for a first offender the maximum sentence would be six months,” said the sheriff.”
Sheriff Fleetwood told Sutherland: “If you revert to this behaviour you can expect to go back to jail.”
The sheriff agreed to a Crown motion for forfeiture of photographs taken by Sutherland of the girls at various local events.
