Man who sent girl Facebook sex messages avoids jail

A PERVERT who bombarded an autistic 13-year-old girl with sexually explicit Facebook messages has avoided jail in a move today branded as “a slap in the face for the victims and their family”.

David Jamieson, who told the youngster that he “loved” her during the sordid grooming bid, was ordered to perform 240 hours of community service following his appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

After the 50-year-old walked free yesterday, the sentence was condemned by Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont.

He said: “It sends out completely the wrong message and is a slap in the face for the victims and their family. When the public see the details of this they will be stunned that he will be able to continue this behaviour if he pleases, more or less without fear.”

Jamieson was caught when he sent another explicit 
message to the girl’s twin sister asking her to expose her breasts. A check of her disabled sister’s Facebook account uncovered 800 postings from Jamieson.

Jamieson previously pleaded guilty to sending the girl explicit text and Facebook messages between July 1 and October 19, 2011.

The court heard that the girl has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning difficulties and is on the autistic 
spectrum.

Jamieson, of Albion Gardens, Leith, had met the twin sisters, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, and their mother while on holiday in Cyprus and kept in touch with the girls through Facebook when he returned to Edinburgh.

His postings became increasingly sexual, telling her “I’m daft on you” and “I love you”.

Defence solicitor Mark Harrower told the court: “At the time of this offence, [Jamieson] was lonely and his life was at a very low ebb.”

Passing sentence, Sheriff 
Corke said the messages contained “frankly disgusting remarks”, but said he had been convinced to impose a 
non-custodial sentence.