Man, 55, who invited girl, 13, to his home for sex to spend Christmas behind bars
Last updated 11th Dec 2023
A 55-year-old man who invited a 13-year-old girl to his home in Selkirk for sex is set to spend Christmas and New Year behind bars.
Murray Ballantyne - who previously admitted a charge of communicating indecently with a child - was due to be sentenced at the town's Sheriff Court today (Monday).
But the court heard he had failed to attend an appointment with a social worker to allow background reports to be prepared.
Last month, the court heard Ballantyne had given the girl his number "in case she ever wanted anything" after meeting her in town, and went on to buy e-cigarettes for her on various occasions, despite knowing she was underage.
He also spoke about his private parts and asked the youngster things about her underwear during a series of telephone exchanges between February and May last year.
Ballantyne, of Elm Row, Selkirk, was only caught after the teenager's older sister saw messages between the two on her phone and alerted police.
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In addition to communicating indecently with the youngster, he admitted buying or attempting to buy tobacco products for someone under 18-years-old.
Ballantyne - who was dressed in full camouflage gear when he appeared in the dock - also previously admitted stealing alcohol from the Aldi store in Hawick on December the 31st last year, as well as failing to appear at an earlier court hearing.
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Sheriff Peter Paterson remanded him in custody to ensure background reports can be prepared ahead of sentencing. The case is due to recall on January the 4th.
Ballantyne remains on the Sex Offenders Register meantime.
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