A Dundee man has been found guilty of sexually abusing two children, with one assault taking place in front of the child’s mother.
Charles Gowans, of Osborne Place, sexually touched a boy under the age of 13 while on holiday at a resort in Spain.
The incident occurred in October 2016 and in front of the boy’s mother, who raised concerns about Gowans’ behaviour.
The 69-year-old also sexually touched a girl under the age of 13 at two addresses in Dundee, on various occasions spanning almost three years between August 28 2014 and May 16 2017.
Sheriff Michael Reekie told Dundee Sheriff Court there had been an element of “risk taking” in Gowans’ behaviour, as the assaults on the boy and the girl had both occurred while there were other adults in the vicinity.
The court also heard Gowans had reacted with “indignation” when the accusations were initially put to him and he had denied committing any of the offences.
Sheriff Reekie added that Gowans had been “evasive” in his responses when he was questioned by authorities about his behaviour and that his answers had also raised concern about his credibility.
Sentencing was deferred until March 4 for criminal justice and social work reports.
Gowans’ bail was continued until sentencing and he was placed on the sex offenders register.
