20-Year-Old Man Placed Under Supervision for Sexual Assault of Underage Girl

A 20-year-old man, Asa Tulloch, of St Olaf Street, Lerwick, has been placed under supervision for two years after admitting to carrying out a sexual assault on an underage girl.

Tulloch pleaded guilty to the offense during a previous court appearance. His sentencing was deferred at the time to allow for the compilation of background reports.

The offense is alleged to have taken place at a play park and multi-court between June 1st, 2012, and August 31st, 2013. Tulloch would have been 15 or 16 years old at the time, while the victim was 9 or 10 years old.

The charges against Tulloch state that he touched the girl's genitals through her clothing, kissed her on the cheek, and placed her hand down his trousers.

At Lerwick Sheriff Court, defense attorney Tommy Allan referred to the background reports, which revealed that Tulloch suffers from Fragile X Syndrome, a condition that causes learning disabilities and cognitive impairment.

Mr. Allan argued that Tulloch's level of need warranted a community payback order.

Sheriff Philip Mann acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, stating that it carried a potential custodial sentence. However, he ultimately decided that supervision and support were more beneficial for both Tulloch and society.

Tulloch was placed under the supervision of social workers for two years and added to the sex offenders register for the same duration. He was also warned that the option of custody remained open if he failed to cooperate with social workers.