The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Man, 34, approached 13-year-old schoolgirl and asked for a date
A 13-year-old schoolgirl was approached by a 34- year- old man in a public park in Dunfermline and asked if she wanted to go out on a date with him.
Brian Brand told the girl she looked “mature” and that“age doesn’ t matter”.
Brand, of Memorial Road, Methil, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.
He admitted that on September 21 at Beath View, Dunfermline, he conducted himself in a disorderly manner, approached a girl aged 13, made indecent comments and suggestions to her, causing fear and alarm and committed a breach of the peace.
Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said the girl was with three friends at a park at 7pm when they were approached by Brand.
He asked the girl what age she was. When she said 13, Brand said: “Age doesn’t matter.”
“He then told her she looked mature for her age and asked if she wanted to go out on a date with him,” added the depute.
Her friends said, “She’s under age”.
Brand said, “Come on, come on”.
The girls then ran off to a nearby shop and told a worker there what had happened.
When police tracked down Brand in Halbeath Road, he claimed the girls had asked him to buy alcohol for them.
Defence solicitor James Moncrieff said: “He had consumed street Valium and his recollection of events is hazy to say the least.
“It was bizarre behaviour and he’ s embarrassed to find himself before the court. He’s at a loss to explain why he acted in this way.”
Sheriff Charles Mac N air called for reports and an application for bail was refused. Brand will be sentenced on November 18.