A former prison officer, who previously worked as a dog handler, has been handed a significant sentence following his conviction for sexually assaulting multiple female colleagues. The incidents occurred at HMP Perth, HMP Castle Huntly near Longforgan, and Fauldhouse Prison, raising serious concerns about workplace conduct within the Scottish Prison Service.
Simon Buck, 57, was brought before Perth Sheriff Court for his actions, which included an inappropriate comment and physical assaults. His victims bravely came forward after his earlier conviction last year for similar misconduct involving a male colleague at a different correctional facility. Details of the Offences Unveiled in Court
During the proceedings, fiscal depute Katie Stewart outlined the nature of the offences. Buck, who held a position of trust as a dog handler and instructor, engaged in a pattern of unwelcome behaviour. The court heard how a misconduct inquiry within the Scottish Prison Service initially flagged these issues, leading to a police investigation in January 2024.
One of the female victims, who had known Buck for several years through their employment with the SPS, recounted two distressing encounters. The first took place on September 7, 2022, during a training day at HMP Castle Huntly. After a team photograph, Buck singled her out to take an individual picture with her dogs. He then made an “appalling” and sexually explicit comment, which deeply disturbed the woman, prompting her to challenge his behaviour immediately. Unapologetic Conduct at HMP Perth
Weeks later, in November 2022, the same victim encountered Buck while on shift at HMP Perth. She described entering the security office to find him present. Once other staff members had left the room, Buck seized the opportunity to approach her, striking her forcefully on the right buttock with his left hand. The woman again confronted him, issuing a clear warning never to touch her again. Remarkably, Buck displayed no remorse or emotion, offering no apology for his alarming actions.
A third incident involved another female SPS worker at HMP Fauldhouse on January 9, 2023, where Buck was an instructor for a dog licensing course. During a refreshment break, as the victim walked to the bathroom, Buck unexpectedly appeared, putting his arm around her neck and pulling her into an office. He then kissed her on the cheek and declared, “You know that I really love you.” The victim was left speechless and profoundly shocked by the unsolicited advance, immediately retreating to a locked cubicle to process what had transpired. Judicial Response and Community Impact
All three incidents were reported to Police Scotland, culminating in Buck’s arrest in August of the previous year. His defence solicitor, Alan Davie, acknowledged that while there was a degree of minimisation in his client’s pre-sentencing report, Buck did recognise the detrimental impact his conduct had on the complainants. Mr. Davie also highlighted that Buck’s mental health had reportedly deteriorated since the allegations surfaced, and he was actively seeking support for these issues.
Sheriff Mark O’Hanlon strongly condemned Buck’s actions, noting the numerous offences and the betrayal of trust within the workplace. The judge specifically singled out the initial comment made at Castle Huntly as “appalling.” He emphasized that these new convictions followed a previous similar offence involving a male colleague, indicating a pattern of behaviour.
Recognising that the offences warranted a custodial sentence, Sheriff O’Hanlon opted for a rigorous community-based alternative. Buck received a two-year supervision order and was mandated to participate in the ‘Moving Forward 2 Change’ programme, specifically designed for sex offenders. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 270 hours of unpaid work and will remain on the sex offenders register for two years.
The Scottish Prison Service has reiterated its commitment to supporting victims, stating, “We recognise the profound and lasting impact such crimes have on survivors.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the severe consequences for those who violate them, particularly within public service roles operating in the Perth and Kinross area and beyond.
Simon Buck, 57, was brought before Perth Sheriff Court for his actions, which included an inappropriate comment and physical assaults. His victims bravely came forward after his earlier conviction last year for similar misconduct involving a male colleague at a different correctional facility. Details of the Offences Unveiled in Court
During the proceedings, fiscal depute Katie Stewart outlined the nature of the offences. Buck, who held a position of trust as a dog handler and instructor, engaged in a pattern of unwelcome behaviour. The court heard how a misconduct inquiry within the Scottish Prison Service initially flagged these issues, leading to a police investigation in January 2024.
One of the female victims, who had known Buck for several years through their employment with the SPS, recounted two distressing encounters. The first took place on September 7, 2022, during a training day at HMP Castle Huntly. After a team photograph, Buck singled her out to take an individual picture with her dogs. He then made an “appalling” and sexually explicit comment, which deeply disturbed the woman, prompting her to challenge his behaviour immediately. Unapologetic Conduct at HMP Perth
Weeks later, in November 2022, the same victim encountered Buck while on shift at HMP Perth. She described entering the security office to find him present. Once other staff members had left the room, Buck seized the opportunity to approach her, striking her forcefully on the right buttock with his left hand. The woman again confronted him, issuing a clear warning never to touch her again. Remarkably, Buck displayed no remorse or emotion, offering no apology for his alarming actions.
A third incident involved another female SPS worker at HMP Fauldhouse on January 9, 2023, where Buck was an instructor for a dog licensing course. During a refreshment break, as the victim walked to the bathroom, Buck unexpectedly appeared, putting his arm around her neck and pulling her into an office. He then kissed her on the cheek and declared, “You know that I really love you.” The victim was left speechless and profoundly shocked by the unsolicited advance, immediately retreating to a locked cubicle to process what had transpired. Judicial Response and Community Impact
All three incidents were reported to Police Scotland, culminating in Buck’s arrest in August of the previous year. His defence solicitor, Alan Davie, acknowledged that while there was a degree of minimisation in his client’s pre-sentencing report, Buck did recognise the detrimental impact his conduct had on the complainants. Mr. Davie also highlighted that Buck’s mental health had reportedly deteriorated since the allegations surfaced, and he was actively seeking support for these issues.
Sheriff Mark O’Hanlon strongly condemned Buck’s actions, noting the numerous offences and the betrayal of trust within the workplace. The judge specifically singled out the initial comment made at Castle Huntly as “appalling.” He emphasized that these new convictions followed a previous similar offence involving a male colleague, indicating a pattern of behaviour.
Recognising that the offences warranted a custodial sentence, Sheriff O’Hanlon opted for a rigorous community-based alternative. Buck received a two-year supervision order and was mandated to participate in the ‘Moving Forward 2 Change’ programme, specifically designed for sex offenders. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 270 hours of unpaid work and will remain on the sex offenders register for two years.
The Scottish Prison Service has reiterated its commitment to supporting victims, stating, “We recognise the profound and lasting impact such crimes have on survivors.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the severe consequences for those who violate them, particularly within public service roles operating in the Perth and Kinross area and beyond.