An Aberdeen electrician has been fined and placed on the sex offenders’ register after posting intimate images of a woman online.
Mark Sutherland appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday to be sentenced having previously admitted posting intimate photos of a woman on a website without her consent.
He further admitted committing voyeurism by recording another victim while she carried out a private act, with the intention of showing it to others or viewing it later himself.
The offences occurred on various occasions between December 1, 2017 and February 22, 2019.
The charges against him stated the photos which were posted online were accessible to members of the public which resulted in Sutherland’s victim suffering fear, alarm or distress.
During the sentencing Sheriff Ian Wallace told the 43-year-old, of Kingfisher Crescent, Aberdeen, that his crimes were “serious” and had “a significant impact on his victims”.
Representing Sutherland, defence agent Gregor Kelly said his client was a man who had worked hard but had low self-worth and was feeling isolated as he had lost touch with friends.
He said the lack of close relationships in his life and isolation was identified as a trigger by a social work report.
Mr Kelly added that Sutherland was “very keen” to embrace change and had been in a “very dark place” at the time of his offences.
Before sentence he urged the court to consider a “soft option”, recommending an intensive three year programme aimed at sexual offenders.
The court also heard that Sutherland’s wife had been supportive and said he “appeared” to be a good father.
Sheriff Wallace said although the charges were “serious” and had affected his victims he was prepared to impose an alternative to a custodial sentence.
“These are serious offences you have pled guilty to,” he said.
“Charge one in particular had a significant impact on the female involved and charge two also has a significant impact on the victim.”
Sutherland was handed a community payback order with a three year supervision requirement.
He was also ordered to undertake the Moving Forward Making Changes programme for sexual offenders and placed on the sex offenders’ register for three years.
In relation to the first charge he was fined £1,000, which was reduced from £1,500 due to his early guilty plea.
Sutherland will also have to comply with a conduct requirement, meaning he must allow his mobile phone, computer and other electronic devices to be inspected whenever he is asked.
