Police release photo of Inverness man who paid for girl (13) to strip
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Police Scotland have taken the unusual step of releasing a photo of a "devious" man who was jailed yesterday for sexual offences.
Iain Nicholson from Inverness admitted paying £50 for a 13-year-old girl to strip down to her bra and pants.
The 52-year-old was due to stand trial at Inverness Sheriff Court but entered a guilty plea before the jury heard any evidence.
The offence was committed in Culloden Woods on August 24, 2019.
Speaking at Inverness Sheriff Court, defence solicitor Mike Chapman said "A third party knew of my client's predilection for paying money for sexual favours and she arranged a 13-year-old girl to take off her clothes for him.
"He thought she was at least 16 years of age due to a mention of a college course but there was nothing to suggest she was 18 years of age."
The court heard that Nicholson was already serving a 30-month prison term for a separate offence and is on the Sex Offenders' Register.
Sheriff Margaret Neilson handed down a headline sentence of 11 months for the offence involving the 13-year-old.
Police Scotland issued a statement following the case.
Detective Inspector Anna Johnston, of the national child abuse investigation unit, said: "Nicholson is a devious individual who actively pursued and preyed upon vulnerable females, including a 13-year-old girl.
"He would seek to obtain sexual gratification by observing them in a state of undress in return for payment.
"The impact of Nicholson’s deviant behaviour on this young girl is significant and cannot be underestimated.
"Cases of sex offences involving children, are always deeply distressing for all involved.
"I would like to thank the victim for her bravery and thanks to her family for their co-operation and assistance while this case was investigated.
"There is no place for sexual abuse and I would encourage anyone with concerns about a child or young person’s safety to contact Police Scotland on 101."
