A PERVERTED Dumbarton pensioner who admitted performing a sex act in front of teenage girls and supplying alcohol to other youngsters has been jailed.

James Sorley, 69, was sentenced to 15 months behind bars after appearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

The OAP was described as “isolated and lonely” by his defence solicitor during last week’s hearing.

Sorley had pleaded guilty at the end of last year to several charges relating to offences committed between October 2018 and February 2019.

He confessed to conducting himself in a disorderly manner towards 11 young girls aged between 13 and 14-years-old, purchasing and supplying alcohol to the youths, making inappropriate and sexual comments and offering to supply cigarettes.

He also invited the teens to stay overnight at his flat in Risk Street, just a short walk from the court.

Sentence had previously been deferred in order for background reports to be prepared on Sorley, and after reading the relevant documents, Sheriff William Gallacher told Tuesday’s hearing: “I have to say that I am not sure that even now he has grasped the gravity of the situation.”

Sorley’s solicitor Brian McGuire replied: “If Mr Sorley has not grasped the gravity of the situation it is not for the want of trying on my part.”

Mr McGuire continued: “One of the young girls, a granddaughter of a neighbour, had gone to his [Sorley’s] home and she and some of her friends asked him to buy them drink. This went on for about four months.

“There is a suggestion that the girls were at fault, however, he acknowledges that he is the person who committed the offence.

“He comes across as somewhat isolated and lonely. He enjoyed the girls coming to his home, but it should not have happened.

“He realises the foolishness of his position.

“His health has deteriorated considerably since the time of the offences; he has had a stroke, he is now somewhat infirm, and his sight and balance have been affected.

“I would ask my lord to take into account these various factors.”

Addressing Sorley, Sheriff Gallacher said: “This is an indictment which is remarkable in many ways; it is remarkable in that it extended over a significant period of time, it is remarkable in that it involved a number of young children, and it is remarkable in the persistence of your behaviour.

“As a man of significant age - and someone who was in this court in 2012 for an offence of a type similar to this – your reaction is simply inappropriate.

“This was a situation you allowed to happen, which you manipulated to happen and encouraged for your own personal gratification.

“You took advantage of the situation. You were the one who was the mover that created this situation.

“I have to have regard for your age and for your acceptance of your responsibility, however, the law is there to indicate to you and to others that the court will step in to protect those who are not able to protect themselves.”

Sorley was sentenced to 15 months in prison and will also be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.