A man with a history of sexual offences has been handed a custodial sentence following a distressing incident aboard a public service vehicle operating on a key Tayside route. Neil Beattie, 39, was incarcerated after admitting to an act of indecent exposure witnessed by a teenage girl on a Stagecoach X7 bus travelling between Dundee and Arbroath.
The incident, which occurred just after midday on June 11, involved Beattie deliberately moving seats to position himself directly behind his 16-year-old victim. This calculated manoeuvre was followed by a disturbing and unprovoked act of exposure, a serious violation that has significant implications for public safety, particularly for young commuters and families across the Perth and Kinross region who rely on similar transport services. Previous Disturbing Conduct
This is not an isolated incident for Beattie, whose past conduct reveals a pattern of concerning behaviour. Court records indicate that he had previously been placed on the sex offenders register following two separate occasions where he performed solo sexual acts in front of a Perth resident’s Ring doorbell camera. One of these alarming ‘performances,’ as described in court, reportedly lasted for a considerable three-hour period, underscoring the severity and persistence of his predatory actions.
Such revelations are particularly unsettling for residents of Perth and Kinross, reminding us of the importance of vigilance and the critical role our justice system plays in addressing such threats. Public transport, a vital lifeline for many in our community, should be a safe environment for all passengers, especially young people. Mental Health and Substance Misuse Factors
During the proceedings at Forfar Sheriff Court, the defence solicitor, Sarah Russo, highlighted Beattie’s diagnosed conditions of paranoid schizophrenia and a severe substance misuse disorder. It was disclosed that Beattie had consumed cocaine on the very day of the bus incident, a factor that, according to Ms. Russo, exacerbated his mental health struggles.
This aspect of the case brings to light the complex interplay between mental health issues, substance abuse, and criminal behaviour. While not excusing his actions, it underscores the broader societal challenge of providing adequate support and intervention for individuals grappling with such profound difficulties, not just in Arbroath or Dundee, but also in Perth and surrounding areas. Sentencing and Public Safety Implications
Sheriff Mark Thorley, presiding over the case, expressed grave concerns regarding Beattie’s behaviour. The court was informed that Beattie had, in fact, continued to deny the offence to social workers, despite having formally pleaded guilty during a hearing in July. This lack of insight into his actions was a significant factor in the Sheriff’s decision.
Sheriff Thorley emphasised that such a denial, coupled with the targeted and premeditated nature of the exposure on the bus, indicated a clear and present danger. ‘This was targeted and planned,’ Sheriff Thorley stated. He concluded that Beattie posed a considerable risk to the public, particularly given the strong link between his substance misuse and his offending. The court found no alternative to a custodial sentence, reflecting the serious nature of the crime and the need to protect the community.
Neil Beattie, from Arbroath, was sentenced to eight months in prison. Furthermore, he will remain on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, a measure designed to monitor individuals who have committed sexual offences and to help safeguard the public. This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the continuous efforts required to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our community, especially on shared public spaces like our transport networks.
The incident, which occurred just after midday on June 11, involved Beattie deliberately moving seats to position himself directly behind his 16-year-old victim. This calculated manoeuvre was followed by a disturbing and unprovoked act of exposure, a serious violation that has significant implications for public safety, particularly for young commuters and families across the Perth and Kinross region who rely on similar transport services. Previous Disturbing Conduct
This is not an isolated incident for Beattie, whose past conduct reveals a pattern of concerning behaviour. Court records indicate that he had previously been placed on the sex offenders register following two separate occasions where he performed solo sexual acts in front of a Perth resident’s Ring doorbell camera. One of these alarming ‘performances,’ as described in court, reportedly lasted for a considerable three-hour period, underscoring the severity and persistence of his predatory actions.
Such revelations are particularly unsettling for residents of Perth and Kinross, reminding us of the importance of vigilance and the critical role our justice system plays in addressing such threats. Public transport, a vital lifeline for many in our community, should be a safe environment for all passengers, especially young people. Mental Health and Substance Misuse Factors
During the proceedings at Forfar Sheriff Court, the defence solicitor, Sarah Russo, highlighted Beattie’s diagnosed conditions of paranoid schizophrenia and a severe substance misuse disorder. It was disclosed that Beattie had consumed cocaine on the very day of the bus incident, a factor that, according to Ms. Russo, exacerbated his mental health struggles.
This aspect of the case brings to light the complex interplay between mental health issues, substance abuse, and criminal behaviour. While not excusing his actions, it underscores the broader societal challenge of providing adequate support and intervention for individuals grappling with such profound difficulties, not just in Arbroath or Dundee, but also in Perth and surrounding areas. Sentencing and Public Safety Implications
Sheriff Mark Thorley, presiding over the case, expressed grave concerns regarding Beattie’s behaviour. The court was informed that Beattie had, in fact, continued to deny the offence to social workers, despite having formally pleaded guilty during a hearing in July. This lack of insight into his actions was a significant factor in the Sheriff’s decision.
Sheriff Thorley emphasised that such a denial, coupled with the targeted and premeditated nature of the exposure on the bus, indicated a clear and present danger. ‘This was targeted and planned,’ Sheriff Thorley stated. He concluded that Beattie posed a considerable risk to the public, particularly given the strong link between his substance misuse and his offending. The court found no alternative to a custodial sentence, reflecting the serious nature of the crime and the need to protect the community.
Neil Beattie, from Arbroath, was sentenced to eight months in prison. Furthermore, he will remain on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, a measure designed to monitor individuals who have committed sexual offences and to help safeguard the public. This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the continuous efforts required to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our community, especially on shared public spaces like our transport networks.