A DAD of two who had illegal sex with a 13-year-old girl who he groomed on social media has been slammed for refusing to take responsibility for his actions - and for trying to blame his victim.

Robert Wright was jailed for two years for making the girl engage in sexual acts in Ayr and having sex with her at his then home in Kilwinning.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard the 34-year-old had told the victim he was 20.

The offences took place between December 6, 2020 and January 10, 2021 after the pair became 'friends' on Facebook.

Wright was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

We previously reported how Wright, now of Kenilworth Drive, Saltcoats, was charged under sections 28, 29 and 31 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act, which covers intercourse and sexual activity with an older child and causing them to participate in a sexual activity.  

The case was not prosecuted as an allegation of rape, which would have been dealt with at High Court level, where much tougher sentences are available.

Sentence had been deferred following Wright's guilty plea to allow social workers to prepare a background report on him.

When Wright returned to court for sentencing on Monday, November 27, defence counsel Laura Ann Radcliffe said: “From the outset the [social work] report does not make good reading.

"He is described as ‘dishonest’, ‘uncooperative’, having ‘not taken any responsibility’ and of ‘victim blaming’. 

“All I can say is he accepted responsibility for the charge and appreciates the consequences in doing so.  

“His attitude to the [social work report] writer may be his embarrassment, given the serious nature of the offence. 

“The facts of the case speak for themselves, and there is very little I can offer in mitigation. 

“The report suggests he made a comment claiming he did not know the true age of the complainer.

"I think I can say he knew his actions were wrong and then continued. 

“There is no excuse. The timing of the plea was at the trial sitting but was agreed previously."

Referring to the "appalling" social work report, Sheriff Colin Bissett told Wright: “You appear to offer no insight, take no responsibility, are unable to identify how the behaviour affected her, and engaged in victim blaming, saying it was her fault and leading you on. 

“All these aspects are unsatisfactory and suggest to me that if you were placed on a community-based disposal you would not take it seriously. 

“As such, there is no alternative to custody.”  

Wright was jailed for two years - reduced from a sentence of 30 months because of his guilty plea.

Sheriff Bisset added: “You will be subject to the notification requirements of the sex offenders register for 10 years."

Wright was called a "paedo" and a "beast", and told "I'll see you when you get out" by members of the public who attended court for the sentencing hearing.

One woman added "enjoy" as Wright was led downstairs to begin his sentence.

Wright had pleaded guilty to an amended charge on September 29, when procurator fiscal depute Alexander Fraser described how Wright and the girl had exchanged messages via Facebook on December 6, 2020.

Mr Fraser told the September hearing that the girl had attended Wright's home in Kilwinning on December 9.

On a later date Wright met the girl and a friend at a swing park in Ayr, telling them "this is how you have sex on a swing".

They were both observed 'kissing, cuddling and touching her buttocks'.  

Mr Fraser added: “A few days later, the friend discussed this with her mother. She then spoke to the complainer's mother, and the complainer confirmed they had sex.  

"He attended Saltcoats police office and was arrested. He made no comment in interview and was released without charge pending further inquiries."  

Wright first appeared in court on December 23, 2021.