Pensioner caught in sex act on golf course

A Fife pensioner has been placed on the sex offenders register after admitting carrying out a sex act on a busy St Andrews golf course.

Derek Holliday was caught at the side of one of the greens on the Eden course in July last year.

While being questioned, he told police if he realised anyone would see what he was up to, “I wouldn’t have done it”.

The 70-year-old was also found naked at a bird hide near Morton Lochs in Tayport days before the country went into the first Covid lockdown.

On July 20 2021 he was caught carrying out a sex act. Depute fiscal Emma Farmer told Dundee Sheriff Court: “It was around 3.35pm when witnesses were on the golf course.

“They approached one of the holes, the accused was observed to be naked...beside a hide adjacent to the course.

“Police were contacted. At about 4.37pm officers attended.

“The accused’s vehicle registration number was provided to the police, they located the vehicle, stopped it and charged the accused.

“He replied he was hoping to ‘get home’ as he had medication there.

“His reply to caution and charge was: ‘I didn’t know anyone was watching me, otherwise I would not have done it’.”

Holliday, of Abbotsford Court, Glenrothes, pled guilty to intentionally engaging in a sex act at Eden Golf Course, St Andrews.

Holliday had already been caught in a compromising position in Fife the year before.

Ms Farmer said: “The witness was walking her dog at around 7.30pm close to a bird hide.

“She overheard the accused shout: ‘Don’t come in, I’m naked’.

“He asked if she had a key for the hide, she asked if he required assistance.

“He said no, but asked if she ‘wanted to come in.”

Holliday admitted a charge of public indecency at Morton Lochs, Tayport on March 14 2020. Sheriff John Rafferty deferred sentence and placed him on the sex offenders register.