A sex offender who evaded police checks by sleeping rough has been sentenced to a year in prison. Scott Notman, also known as a convicted football hooligan, misled authorities by claiming he was in hospital when they attempted to locate him in Airdrie. The 49-year-old confessed to failing to report a change of address within the required three-day timeframe. Notman had been added to the sex offenders’ register for a period of five years starting in July 2023 following his involvement in a paedophile sting operation. He used an online dating platform to communicate with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old female named ‘Emma.’ However, ‘Emma’ was actually an adult member of a vigilante group posing as a minor. Notman arranged a meeting with ‘Emma’ for sexual purposes but did not attend.
At Airdrie Sheriff Court, it was disclosed that officers from the sex offenders’ monitoring unit visited Notman’s residence on Scott’s Place, Airdrie, on four occasions in October that year, with no success in locating him. Housing officers who arrived with an eviction notice also failed to make contact with him. Prosecuting lawyer Annette Ward stated, “Police tracked him down at a social work office in Bellshill on November 5. He claimed he had been in Monklands Hospital from October 18 to November 4. Inquiries at the hospital revealed that he only visited the emergency unit on November 3 before being discharged after assessment.”
Defense solicitor Tony Linden highlighted that Notman’s status as a sex offender had significantly impacted him, leading him to make the decision to live on the streets. Linden remarked, “As unbelievable as it may sound, he chose to leave his residence, opting to sleep rough. Naturally, the first action required of him was to inform the police, given the significant concerns arising from their inability to locate him.” Sheriff Joseph Hughes cautioned Notman, citing past breaches of court orders and emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Notman was reminded that his presence on the sex offenders’ register was mandatory until 2028. In 2021, Notman was imprisoned for 15 months for assaulting a Hearts football supporter post-match.
In conclusion, the case of Scott Notman sheds light on the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and enforcing restrictions on individuals listed on the sex offenders’ register. Despite the legal obligations placed on offenders, some may resort to evasive measures, as seen in Notman’s actions. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilant oversight and compliance with regulations to ensure the safety of communities.