I want you as my concubine, pensioner told teenage girl

Published on Friday 12 March 2010 21:57

A BIBLE-QUOTING pensioner became infatuated with a teenage girl and said he wanted her as his concubine.

David Sheridan, 65, sexually abused the girl for two years and tried to have her sign an agreement to become his mistress when she turned 16.

Yesterday, Sheridan, of Haddington, East Lothian, admitted lewd and indecent behaviour towards the girl between 2007 and 2009, and taking pornographic photographs and videos of her.

Sentence on him was deferred until next month for background reports.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Sheridan had a conviction from 1978 for touching primary school children while employed to check their hearing.

The latest victim was aged 14-16 when Sheridan preyed on her. He told her she had sexy legs and manipulated situations to be alone with her. His conduct escalated and was "very controlling", said advocate-depute Ashley Edwards.

She added: "He told her he wanted her to be his concubine and would quote passages from the Bible.

"He asked her to sign a written document agreeing to be his mistress when she was 16.

"He would also write to her parents questioning their decisions regarding her upbringing."

The girl had felt scared and was distressed by Sheridan's behaviour, but had not known what to do.

Eventually, she confided to a relative that an "older" man had been making her do things, and the police were alerted.

Officers removed computer equipment from Sheridan's home and it was found to hold 132 images and three videos of the girl. Sheridan was also in some of the shots.

Ms Edwards said the offences had had a "profound" impact on the girl.

The defence counsel, Ian Duguid, QC, said: "He became infatuated with an attractive young girl and an association of this abusive type took place before she reached adulthood."

Mr Duguid added that Sheridan deeply regretted the effect of his actions.

He had been keen to enter a plea of guilty so that the girl did not have to go through any further trauma.