A Perth man has been banned from contact with young girls after police expressed concern about the possible threat he poses.
Stefan Scott (18) has never been convicted of a sexual offence but Tayside Police decided his behaviour warranted a risk of sexual harm order (RSHO).
Under its terms, Scott cannot have girls under 16 in his principal residence and cannot approach, speak to or communicate in any way or associate directly or indirectly with them.
He is further forbidden to enter a school, child’s nursery or other building used for pre-school, primary or secondary education, play areas, children’s leisure areas or places where children habitually congregate without prior approval of the chief constable.
Brought in under the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005, it is understood to be the first time the order has been used in Scotland.
After a hearing at Perth Sheriff Court the order was granted on an interim basis.
The matter will return to court on May 20 when Scott’s lawyers can discuss the restrictions imposed on the teenager.
Tayside Police applied for the RSHO after allegations of a sexual relationship with an underage girl, though no prosecution was pursued.
In the application to the court Chief Constable Justine Curran said there was reasonable cause to believe that the order is necessary.
She outlined other, more recent allegations, of improper conduct against Scott and said she wanted the terms of the order to be in place for two years.
Although this is the first Scottish RSHO, there have been previous bans against individuals.
In 2007 Robert Basterfield was banned from approaching or speaking to any woman in the country.
Breach of an RSHO or interim order could result in prosecution and a five-year sentence.