October 2008

Pervert is jailed for sexual act

A sex offender who commited a sexual act on himself in public has been jailed for nine months.

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard how prisoner Gerard Hamill (51), who was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years, was homeless and had lost the support of his family.

A social work report revealed that there was a risk of him reoffending.

The offence, which happened at Hamill’s house in George Street, Chapelhall, was witnessed by two passers-by who reported the incident to the police.

The accused’s defence agent said that his client had no recollection of the offence on August 20 this year.

Hamill admitted committing the offence at a house in George Street in the presence of the lieges and placing them in a state of fear and alarm, while subject to a sex offender order.

Sentencing the accused to nine months’ jail, Sheriff Alfred Vannet said: “This is a rather sad case because you are subject to two lengthy probation orders for similar offences.

“Probation, however, has not had any effect.

“In this instance there is no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence.”