An Airdrie Sex Offender caretaker, Megan Neilson, who engaged in sexual intercourse with a vulnerable man under her care has had her sentencing postponed until next month.
Megan Neilson, 28, was designated to assist the 29-year-old individual afflicted with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and a learning problem.
The duo rapidly formed a strong connection, resulting in mutual declarations of love.
Megan Neilson regularly embraced and kissed him during outings to a bowling alley and Strathclyde Park, subsequently engaging in a sexual act when they were seated in a vehicle parked by the Falkirk Wheel.
Their inappropriate connection was revealed when the couple arrived hand-in-hand at his father’s residence and informed him of their union.
Megan Neilson informed the distressed father of her intention to retire from her position as a support worker, prompting the involvement of law enforcement.
Upon the police’ arrival at her residence, Megan Neilson said, “Is this regarding the inappropriate relationship?”
Megan Neilson, from Lanarkshire, refuted any misconduct occurring between June and August 2022 and subsequently faced trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
However, jurors deliberated for an hour before convicting her of participating in sexual behaviour with the guy while serving as his carer.
Jurors viewed a police interview with the individual in which he articulated his belief that he was in a relationship with Megan Neilson and detailed sexual actions between them.
He stated, “She indicated that if anyone discovered our relationship, she would forfeit her employment, her daughter, and her academic program.”
I experienced discomfort as this occurrence was unprecedented for me.
When enquired about his sentiments over informing his parents and the authorities about Megan Neilson, he responded: “I feel as though I made her a promise and violated it.”
His father informed the court that he had been ‘distrustful’ about the couple prior to their disclosure of their relationship.
He stated: “They announced, ‘We have something to disclose; we are in a relationship,’ and it took some time for the significance of their words to register.”
I enquired of Megan whether it would be inappropriate, given that she was one of his carers, to which she said, ‘I’m about to leave anyway, so it will be alright.’
I was astonished but then recognised that my suspicions were validated; there was indeed something off, evoking a nauseating sensation due to a significant breach of trust by the support worker assigned to him. “He is still not the same boy.”
The court was presented with texts transmitted from Megan Neilson to the individual.
One declared, “I love you.” “If it entails forfeiting everything, that is acceptable.”
She subsequently instructed him, “Eradicate this thought.”
Megan Neilson refuted any sexual interaction between the individuals but stated that she quit from her supportive position after forming a ’emotional attachment’ with him.
The mother of two stated, “I am uncertain why he has made this remark; it may be due to his inability to be with me, but I cannot comprehend it.”
I feel dreadful; it has adversely impacted me significantly and induced considerable anxiety, yet there was no sexual interaction between him and me.
Prosecutor Lewis Devoy informed the jurors that Megan Neilson had perpetrated a ‘severe breach of trust’ and asserted that the individual had ‘no motive’ to deceive.
Lewis Kennedy, defence counsel, informed the jury: “Her stance is unequivocal; she was solely engaged in an emotional relationship with the complainant, which was never sexual.”
Sheriff Linda Nicolson postponed the sentencing of the first offender until next month for further reports and extended their bail.
She stated: “The jury has found you guilty of this charge, which is evidently quite serious.”
Megan Neilson, currently unemployed, has been registered as a sex offender.
UPDATE
Megan Neilson, 28, from the Holehills area in Airdrie, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a vulnerable person with learning difficulties and cognitive impairments, who was in her care at the time.
She groomed the vulnerable male into believing that she wanted a committed relationship with him, promising him they would get married and live happily ever after.
Megan Neilson then molested the male in a car whilst employed as his caregiver and then threatened him that if he told anyone she would lose everything and he would never see her again.
She was charged and found guilty of sexual offences against a mentally impaired person including:
- kissing and cuddling
- entering into a relationship while providing care
- sending him messages and photos via social media
- trying to initiate sex with him
- inappropriate sexual contact and coercion of a vulnerable adult male (who doesn’t have the capacity for consent, a legal document was done on him with proof) with learning difficulties with a mental age of around 14/15 years of age
She was sentenced on the 8th August 2025 and was placed on the sex offenders register for five years.
Megan Neilson must carry out 300hrs community service, remain on a tag for 1 year, was given a non harassment order for 10 years, and 18 months probation.
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