What can we help you with today?
HM Advocate v CM
References may be made to sexual offences, violence, or other sensitive matters. Some viewers may find the content distressing.
Where necessary, certain information may be restricted to protect the identity of complainers and witnesses.
Hearings are livestreamed as part of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service’s support for open justice.
Please note that recording, storing or broadcasting the proceedings is only possible if permitted under the law on fair dealing or if authorised by the Lord President under the Judicial Office for Scotland Broadcast Protocol.
Any unauthorised capture, re-use, re-editing or redistribution of the material could attract liability for breach of copyright, in addition to the possibility of contempt of court proceedings.
This is an archive of a livestream. Find out about restrictions on livestreaming.
HM Advocate v CM
HCA/2025/577/XC
Crown Appeal against Sentence
Friday 16 January 2026
10:30 until conclusion
Fred Mackintosh, KC
[1] On 21 August 2025 the respondent was convicted by a jury at Perth Sheriff Court of four charges including assault, sexual assault and the use of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices towards a young child.
[2] On 2 October 2025, the respondent was sentenced to a total period of 40 months imprisonment. Additionally, a Non-Harassment Order was imposed in favour of each of the complainers for a period of 10 years.
[3] The Crown appeals on the grounds of undue leniency. They argue that the sheriff erred in her assessment of the seriousness of the offending, that a more severe sentence was necessary and that a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was appropriate in the circumstances.
[4] The appeal will be heard by the High Court of Justiciary Appeal Court on Friday 16 January 2026 at 10:30am.