Court / Teenager sent indecent messages to underage girls

A LERWICK teenager who took advantage of four underage girls by communicating sexually and indecently with them via Snapchat escaped a jail sentence when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Lewis Barclay, of Commercial Road, aged 19, had previously pleaded guilty to four charges, including sending photos of himself in a state of undress and requesting the same from the girls affected, who were all between the age of 13 and 16.

The court had previously heard how Barclay’s requests had made them feel uncomfortable.

The offences took place on various occasions between 1 May last year and 1 January 2020 when Barclay was 17 and 18.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said naivety and a lack of maturity had played a major part in his client getting involved in this.

He added that Barclay had already lost his job and “possibly a career” as a direct result of his behaviour.

Sheriff Robert Mcdonald said Barclay should be in no doubt about the seriousness of the offence, something he could go to jail for.

He ordered him to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work and put him under supervision for two years.

The sheriff added that the sentence was imposed as an alternative to custody.