Man, 34, approached 13-year-old schoolgirl and asked for a date

A 13-year-old schoolgirl was approached by a 34- year- old man in a public park in Dunfermline and asked if she wanted to go out on a date with him.

Brian Brand told the girl she looked “mature” and that“age doesn’ t matter”.

Brand, of Memorial Road, Methil, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on September 21 at Beath View, Dunfermline, he conducted himself in a disorderly manner, approached a girl aged 13, made indecent comments and suggestions to her, causing fear and alarm and committed a breach of the peace.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said the girl was with three friends at a park at 7pm when they were approached by Brand.

He asked the girl what age she was. When she said 13, Brand said: “Age doesn’t matter.”

“He then told her she looked mature for her age and asked if she wanted to go out on a date with him,” added the depute.

Her friends said, “She’s under age”.

Brand said, “Come on, come on”.

The girls then ran off to a nearby shop and told a worker there what had happened.

When police tracked down Brand in Halbeath Road, he claimed the girls had asked him to buy alcohol for them.

Defence solicitor James Moncrieff said: “He had consumed street Valium and his recollection of events is hazy to say the least.

“It was bizarre behaviour and he ’s embarrassed to find himself before the court. He’s at a loss to explain why he acted in this way.”

Sheriff Charles Mac N air called for reports and an application for bail was refused. Brand will be sentenced on November 18.