A former correctional officer, Simon Buck, aged 57, has been placed on the sex offenders register following his admissions to a series of disturbing charges involving women at several of Scotland’s penal institutions, including the prominent HMP Perth. His plea at Perth Sheriff Court initiates a crucial phase leading to his sentencing next month, which will follow a thorough examination of his background.
These admissions cast a stark light on the profound breach of trust inherent in such positions of authority. The incidents span multiple locations, revealing a troubling pattern of behaviour from an individual entrusted with maintaining order and care within the justice system. Incidents Across Scottish Correctional Facilities
The court heard details of an initial incident at HMP Castle Huntly on September 7, 2022. During his tenure, Buck admitted to taking an unauthorized photograph of a woman while also directing comments of a sexual nature towards her. Such actions constitute a serious violation, categorized as threatening or abusive behaviour. In the highly controlled and sensitive environment of a prison, where the safety and dignity of individuals are paramount, any such transgression by a staff member is viewed with the utmost gravity, undermining the fundamental principles of security and professional conduct.
Following this, between November 7 and 30 of the same year, the same woman was subjected to further abuse at HMP Perth, a key correctional facility for the Perth and Kinross region. Buck confessed to sexually assaulting her by physically striking her on the buttocks. This act represents a severe betrayal of the professional duties expected of a prison officer and a deeply personal violation for the victim. The occurrence of such an event within a local institution like HMP Perth resonates deeply within the community, reinforcing the need for strict accountability for those in public service roles.
The pattern of misconduct continued into January 2023, when Buck admitted to sexually assaulting a second woman at HMP Fauldhouse, located near Bathgate. This incident involved him taking hold of her by the neck, drawing her towards him, and forcibly kissing her face. The consistent nature of these allegations across different sites underscores a serious and repeated disregard for boundaries and the safety of others. Legal Ramifications and Sentencing
The judicial process unfolded at Perth Sheriff Court, where these serious admissions were formally recorded. The immediate placement of Simon Buck on the sex offenders register is a direct consequence of the gravity of the offences he admitted. This measure is a critical component of ensuring public safety and marks the immediate legal repercussion of his actions.
Sheriff Neil Kinnear has requested comprehensive background reports prior to the sentencing hearing, scheduled for next month. These reports are integral to understanding any underlying factors that may have contributed to Buck’s behaviour and to assist the court in formulating a sentence that is proportionate, just, and addresses the societal impact of his crimes. This meticulous approach aims to ensure that justice is served, taking into account both the specific nature of the offences and any broader implications for the offender and the community. Prior Offence and Service Response
The court was also informed of a previous sexual assault conviction from July 2024, stemming from Livingston Sheriff Court, for which Buck was placed under supervision for 12 months. This history indicates a disturbing recurrence in his pattern of behaviour, raising significant questions about the effectiveness of previous interventions and the ongoing risks posed by such individuals, particularly those in positions of trust. The continuity of these incidents highlights a troubling issue that the current legal proceedings aim to definitively address.
It is understood that Simon Buck resigned from his role within the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) soon after the police investigation into these new allegations commenced. The SPS has formally acknowledged the severe impact of such crimes through an official statement, emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of those affected.
“We recognise the profound and lasting impact such crimes have on survivors. As this is subject to live proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further,” stated an SPS spokesperson. This statement reflects the institutional understanding of the serious consequences for victims and the broader community, particularly when trust placed in public officials is so fundamentally betrayed. Impact on Public Trust and Correctional Integrity
For the residents of Perth and Kinross, and the wider public, cases involving such breaches by correctional officers are deeply concerning. The fundamental expectation that prisons are places of security, order, and rehabilitation, maintained by individuals of integrity, is shaken when such incidents occur. The actions of a single individual can unfortunately cast a shadow over the dedication of many others who serve honourably within the prison system.
The upcoming sentencing hearing at Perth Sheriff Court is therefore not merely about determining a punishment for Simon Buck, but also about reinforcing the values of justice, accountability, and public trust. The court’s decision will send a clear message regarding the consequences of abusing power and violating the safety and dignity of others, thereby contributing to the reassurance of the community and upholding the integrity of public service.
These admissions cast a stark light on the profound breach of trust inherent in such positions of authority. The incidents span multiple locations, revealing a troubling pattern of behaviour from an individual entrusted with maintaining order and care within the justice system. Incidents Across Scottish Correctional Facilities
The court heard details of an initial incident at HMP Castle Huntly on September 7, 2022. During his tenure, Buck admitted to taking an unauthorized photograph of a woman while also directing comments of a sexual nature towards her. Such actions constitute a serious violation, categorized as threatening or abusive behaviour. In the highly controlled and sensitive environment of a prison, where the safety and dignity of individuals are paramount, any such transgression by a staff member is viewed with the utmost gravity, undermining the fundamental principles of security and professional conduct.
Following this, between November 7 and 30 of the same year, the same woman was subjected to further abuse at HMP Perth, a key correctional facility for the Perth and Kinross region. Buck confessed to sexually assaulting her by physically striking her on the buttocks. This act represents a severe betrayal of the professional duties expected of a prison officer and a deeply personal violation for the victim. The occurrence of such an event within a local institution like HMP Perth resonates deeply within the community, reinforcing the need for strict accountability for those in public service roles.
The pattern of misconduct continued into January 2023, when Buck admitted to sexually assaulting a second woman at HMP Fauldhouse, located near Bathgate. This incident involved him taking hold of her by the neck, drawing her towards him, and forcibly kissing her face. The consistent nature of these allegations across different sites underscores a serious and repeated disregard for boundaries and the safety of others. Legal Ramifications and Sentencing
The judicial process unfolded at Perth Sheriff Court, where these serious admissions were formally recorded. The immediate placement of Simon Buck on the sex offenders register is a direct consequence of the gravity of the offences he admitted. This measure is a critical component of ensuring public safety and marks the immediate legal repercussion of his actions.
Sheriff Neil Kinnear has requested comprehensive background reports prior to the sentencing hearing, scheduled for next month. These reports are integral to understanding any underlying factors that may have contributed to Buck’s behaviour and to assist the court in formulating a sentence that is proportionate, just, and addresses the societal impact of his crimes. This meticulous approach aims to ensure that justice is served, taking into account both the specific nature of the offences and any broader implications for the offender and the community. Prior Offence and Service Response
The court was also informed of a previous sexual assault conviction from July 2024, stemming from Livingston Sheriff Court, for which Buck was placed under supervision for 12 months. This history indicates a disturbing recurrence in his pattern of behaviour, raising significant questions about the effectiveness of previous interventions and the ongoing risks posed by such individuals, particularly those in positions of trust. The continuity of these incidents highlights a troubling issue that the current legal proceedings aim to definitively address.
It is understood that Simon Buck resigned from his role within the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) soon after the police investigation into these new allegations commenced. The SPS has formally acknowledged the severe impact of such crimes through an official statement, emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of those affected.
“We recognise the profound and lasting impact such crimes have on survivors. As this is subject to live proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further,” stated an SPS spokesperson. This statement reflects the institutional understanding of the serious consequences for victims and the broader community, particularly when trust placed in public officials is so fundamentally betrayed. Impact on Public Trust and Correctional Integrity
For the residents of Perth and Kinross, and the wider public, cases involving such breaches by correctional officers are deeply concerning. The fundamental expectation that prisons are places of security, order, and rehabilitation, maintained by individuals of integrity, is shaken when such incidents occur. The actions of a single individual can unfortunately cast a shadow over the dedication of many others who serve honourably within the prison system.
The upcoming sentencing hearing at Perth Sheriff Court is therefore not merely about determining a punishment for Simon Buck, but also about reinforcing the values of justice, accountability, and public trust. The court’s decision will send a clear message regarding the consequences of abusing power and violating the safety and dignity of others, thereby contributing to the reassurance of the community and upholding the integrity of public service.