A sex offender who “freaked out” a teenage girl he chatted to at a bus stop has been put under supervision for two years. Matthew Stone followed the youngster, who was aged under 16, on to a bus in Motherwell, stared at her then asked her questions about her life.
Court hearing and offence details
Stone, 48, appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted committing a breach of the peace in Shields Road on May 27 last year. In 2021 he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for an indefinite period after being caught in a vigilante sting in Glasgow.
The city’s sheriff court heard Stone contacted a person he thought was a girl aged 14 on Facebook and arranged to meet up, telling her to wear her school uniform. But the ‘girl’ was a member of an online child protection group and Stone was confronted by group members when he turned up for a meeting at Buchanan Street bus station.
Prosecution and defence accounts
Rosemary O’Neill, prosecuting, said that, in relation to the latest offence, Stone had been in the habit of smiling and saying ‘Good morning’ to the girl at the bus stop. His behaviour on the day in question was witnessed by a police officer on the bus. Stone had followed the girl on to the bus and when she got off he did so too.
Ms O’Neill told the court: “He began to speak to her, asking why she looked so sad. She said she didn’t feel sad.” She added: “The girl said she was freaked out as she didn’t know him.”
Defence submissions and sheriff's decision
Defence lawyer Judith Hutchison said Stone went to the bus stop as part of a daily routine and did not stand at the bus stop because children were there. She said: “He would get the bus to Motherwell town centre then buy a roll and coffee and go begging.” And she added: “When a police officer saw him the girl was downstairs, nowhere near my client who was upstairs. “In relation to saying ‘Good morning’ to the girl, it’s my understanding he said that to all passengers and engaged in amiable chat.”
Ms Hutchison said Stone was being monitored by social workers following his conviction in 2021 and there had been “no concerns” as he had been engaging well. Stone spent nearly 15 months in custody following his arrest last year.
Sheriff Michael Higgins said he was prepared to release him with a community payback order involving social work supervision. The sheriff imposed an indefinite non-harassment order in relation to the girl.
