Borders man jailed for sexual assaults on teenage girls
A 50-year-old man who sexually assaulted two under age teenagers has been jailed for two years at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.
Welat Avasin, of Station Crescent, Duns, had also been previously been found guilty of intentionally causing the 14 and 15 year-old girls to participate in a sexual activity by making them perform a sex act on him. He also co-erced both youngsters to kiss each other in his presence.
The offences happened in a lay-by at Coldingham and in the course of a car journey between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Eyemouth on September 18, 2024.
Avasin had denied the two charges of sexual assault and sexual coercion but was found guilty by a jury following a three-day trial at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.
Advocate Louis Bendle said his client maintained his denial of the offences. He pointed out Avasin's wife and children remained supportive of him and he had a strong work record and had continued to be employed at a takeaway business.
Mr Bendle added: “He has never been in trouble before and this is his only conviction.”
While acknowledging the offences were serious, he urged Sheriff Peter Paterson to take a step back from a custodial sentence saying the risk and punishment could be dealt with by a community-based disposal.
However Sheriff Paterson said the offences had caused “considerable distress” and there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence.
He jailed Avasin for 24 months and made him subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act for 10 years.