Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Instructor spared jail for sexual advances towards teenage girls
Sentenced to community payback order and supervision
A Coatbridge driving instructor who made sexual advances towards a pair of teenage girls in his car has avoided a prison sentence.
Paul Laughlin, 55, was found guilty of communicating indecently with the 17- year- olds between March and September last year.
Laughlin, of Dalveen Quadrant, directed sexual remarks towards the girls while they were in his vehicle.
On another occasion, he placed his hand on the thigh of one of the teens and made suggestive comments, again without her consent.
He was also found guilty of behaving in a similar manner to a third victim in 2016.
Despite avoiding jail, Laughlin’s defence solicitor told Airdrie Sheriff Court his client had paid the “significant penalty” of losing his 19-year relationship with his partner.
He said: “There’s little I can say regarding the offence and my client continues the denial.
“The most important thing is the risk assessment; he is low risk for any form of reoffending.
“The allegations cost him his relationship and there’s been devastation on his part with the outcome.
“He’s paid a significant penalty already in that regards and will continue to do so.
“I think what you can take from the report is that it says entrenched difficulties don’t exist.
“In determining the length of any supervision, the report doesn’t state it needs to be lengthy.”
Addressing Laughlin, Sheriff Morag Shankland said: “As you are aware, your conviction is serious.
“The court won’t allow this kind of behaviour.
“The alternative to custody is a community payback order and supervision for three years.
“You’ll work closely with your officer and attend anything they insist is necessary.
“You’ll also carry out 180 hours of unpaid work in the next nine months and be placed on the [sex offenders’] register.”