A disreputable shop employee, Vinit Kotadiya, who provided alcohol to a 13-year-old girl sent her Instagram messages expressing his affection and want to marry her.
Vinit Kotadiya provided bottles of alcohol to the schoolgirl following their encounter at the East Lothian convenience store where he was employed. The 23-year-old transmitted inappropriate texts despite her continual disclosure of her age.
Vinit Kotadiya, from the Meadowbank district of the city, gifted her a bag filled with 120 bottles of vodka and Dragon Soop. However, the victim’s mother grew suspicious, prompting the involvement of the authorities after Kotadiya’s offences were uncovered.
Vinit Kotadiya appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to transmitting messages that were excessively insulting or of an obscene, abusive, or menacing nature. He also confessed to providing booze to the girl.
Fiscal depute Morgan Beattie stated that Vinit Kotadiya met the girl outside the Lifestyle Express store on Bridge Street, Tranent. Ms. Beattie stated that the duo maintained communication during the subsequent month, during which Kotadiya provided her with his Instagram information.
The court was informed that the girl pursued Vinit Kotadiya on social media and disclosed her age to him. Ms. Beattie stated that Vinit Kotadiya would coordinate a meeting with the victim at the rear of the store, where he subsequently provided alcohol.
In a message dated February 14 of the previous year, Vinit Kotadiya solicited the girl to be his Valentine, to which she reiterated that she was 13 years old. Vinit Kotadiya replied, I will await your return.
Ms. Beattie stated that the defendant transmitted communications to the girl expressing his love for her and his desire to marry her. During this period, Vinit Kotadiya provided the victim with a bag containing drink and currency.
The prosecutor stated that during this period, the mother of the child became apprehensive over her daughter’s behaviour and noted communications exchanged between her and her friends, which indicated that the accused had been providing her with gifts, including alcohol.
The police were notified, and Vinit Kotadiya’s cell phone was confiscated and analysed. Vinit Kotadiya, a first-time offender, acknowledged committing the acts in January and February of the previous year.
Sheriff John Cook postponed Vinit Kotadiya’s sentencing until next month for reports. The sheriff stated he would evaluate arguments during that hearing regarding the necessity of adding Vinit Kotadiya’ conviction to the sex offenders register.
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