A 20-year-old former Inverness man who sexually assaulted two young boys as they slept will be under social work supervision for the next two years.
Student Leon Pasieka, who now lives in Edinburgh, will also spend that period on the Sex Offender’s Register after being sentenced by Sheriff David Sutherland at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday.
Pasieka was about 16 when he abused the boys, one aged 9 or 10, as they lay asleep in their beds in two Inverness houses.
He was found guilty after trial last year of three offences which occurred between June 2012 and February 2013, and sentence was deferred for a background report.
Defence solicitor Duncan Henderson said: “He has had to wait for three and a half years for this to be dealt with but I make no criticism because it was for good legal reasons.
“There is no sign of further offending and he was only 15 or 16 at the time.”
After Pasieka was dealt with, Detective Constable Chris Pile, Highland and Island Division’s Public Protection Unit, issued the following statement:
“Pasieka targeted children for his own sexual gratification and it is down to the courage displayed by his victims in reporting the abuse that a conviction for his distressing crimes was secured.
“Sexual abuse at any age is traumatic and can have a particularly devastating effect on young people. Police Scotland and partner agencies are committed to providing specialist, sensitive and tailored support to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, no matter how much time may have passed.
Detective Chief Inspector Vince McLaughlin, Chair of the Highland Child Protection Committee, added:
“It is never too late to report abuse; help and support is always available. We would encourage anyone with concerns relating to sexual abuse – whether it relates to you or someone you know – to phone Police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, NSPCC or talk to someone you trust.”