An Strathaven Paedophile, Donald Ballantyne, confessed to participating in sexual acts with a minor 40 years his junior in return for vaping products, according to court proceedings.
Donald Ballantyne also engaged in inappropriate communication with the girl, who was between the ages of 13 and 16, and transmitted an explicit image.
The 56-year-old appeared in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and admitted guilt to three charges.
Prosecutor Craig Wainwright informed the court that Donald Ballantyne had been acquainted with the girl since she was seven years old. He starting sending her messages on WhatsApp after they exchanged numbers during a recent interaction.
Mr. Wainwright elucidated: “This commenced in June and initially involved typical conversation until the defendant [Donald Ballantyne] began alluding to sexual matters and making lewd comments.”
Kilmarnock Sheriff Court was informed that this encompassed sexual comments on her physique and an assertion that he had a preference for “schoolgirls.”
Mr. Wainwright stated that he would express to her that she was attractive and that he desired to engage in sexual relations with her.
The fiscal depute informed the court that Donald Ballantyne had, on one occasion, transmitted an image of his genitalia to the girl.
At one point, she enquired of the 56-year-old whether their actions were unlawful, to which he replied, “only if you disclose anything,” and they both concurred to remain silent.
The communications occurred solely through SMS until July, when the teenager sent Donald Ballantyne a message concerning the destruction of her vape.
Donald Ballantyne subsequently notified the girl of his acquisition of vapes and transmitted a message stating “vapes for t**s,” alluding to her physique, which resulted in the two coordinating a meeting in an Ayrshire park.
On July 11, 2023, Donald Ballantyne was present at this spot, inside a campervan, and invited the teenager into the rear of the vehicle.
Inside the vehicle, the court was informed that he lowered her trousers and knickers to her thighs and touched her buttocks before the girl exited the vehicle.
Mr. Wainwright stated, “Subsequently, they exchanged messages in which the accused enquired what she would do if he placed his hand between her legs.”
Donald Ballantyne subsequently encountered the girl again at the same spot the next day, resulting in a comparable scenario.
On this occasion, he also caressed her genital region and massaged her breasts through her clothing.
The girl’s mother then discovered these meetups and Donald Ballantyne’s messages after confiscating her phone as a form of punishment.
She observed multiple exchanges between the individuals, which contained sexualised messages, and enquired about them with her daughter.
The adolescent subsequently informed her mother about the encounters prior to the issue being reported to the police.
On July 15, police officers found Donald Ballantyne and identified him as the individual accountable for the messages, being the owner of the telephone number from which they were dispatched.
He was subsequently interviewed later that month, where he disclosed the complete circumstances to the police prior to receiving a caution and being charged.
Subsequent examination of his mobile phone by cyber crime investigators uncovered numerous messages, including ones of a sexual nature.
Donald Ballantyne, residing on Newton Road in Strathaven, also admitted to participating in sexual activity with, or directed towards, the youngster on July 12 and 13 of the same year.
He also confessed to prompting the child to see a pornographic photograph and transmitting indecent and explicit texts from June 3 to July 13, 2023.
In defence, solicitor Craig Broadley requested the preparation of background reports prior to the sentencing decision.
He observed that Donald Ballantyne was a first-time offender, yet remarked that he “comprehends the gravity of the situation and these offences.”
The attorney requested that bail be granted while reports are compiled, as Donald Ballantyne has complied with all restrictions since his detention.
Sheriff Nicola Patrick consented to postpone her decision to get background documents but issued a caution to Ballantyne.
She stated, “Regardless of the background, it does not diminish the fact that she is a teenage girl.” This is a profoundly grave issue.
The sentencing was postponed until later this year, with Donald Ballantyne being placed on the sex offenders register in the meanwhile.
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