Scollay remanded in custody after admitting child abuse

Local musician Alan Scollay appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to charges of historical abuse dating back to the 1980s.

Scollay, 58, of Grodians, Lerwick, was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 6th January.

Sheriff Philip Mann asked for reports, and said that for the first time in his career he thought the case was so serious he was wondering whether it should be referred to the high court for sentencing.

The sheriff court was told that Scollay had acted in a lewd, indecent and libidinous manner to a girl under 16 between 1982 and 1983. He had also acted in this way to a different, younger girl between 1994 and 1999, at two addresses in Shetland, including forcing the child to watch adult pornographic videos.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said it had been “depraved” behaviour, and “the passage of time had not diminished his sexual appetite for young girls”.

Mr MacKenzie said that according to one victim impact statement, the abuse had been “devastating” and would have a permanent effect.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said there was nothing he could say in mitigation and the court would have “little sympathy” with Scollay, who understood he would face custody.

However, Mr Allan said Scollay had pleaded guilty at an early stage. He asked for bail, so that Scollay could see his 80-year-old mother. He had stayed with her after becoming homeless.

Mr MacKenzie said that Scollay posed a “real risk” to young girls and his mother, who knew about the abuse, was not dependent on him.

Sheriff Mann said the charges, especially in relation to the younger girl, were “so devastating” that Scollay should be remanded.