A former firefighter who carried out a series of predatory sexual assaults on three women, including a cocaine-fuelled attempt to drag a stranger into an alleyway to rape her, has been jailed for more than five years.
A Predator's Despicable Conduct
Jamie Scott, 34, was sentenced at Perth Sheriff Court to three years and six months in prison after a jury found him guilty of multiple stalking and sex attack charges. Sheriff William Wood imposed an additional two-year extension period upon his release, stating it was necessary 'in order to protect the public from the risk of serious harm'. Scott has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life.
The court heard how Scott, a father-of-one, targeted three women in separate incidents between October 2023 and March 2024. Sheriff Wood condemned his actions, stating: 'You behaved in a despicable way towards these women. You were predatory and custody is the only proper way this can be dealt with.'
The Details of the Attacks
The first attack occurred on October 7, 2023, at a woman's home in Perth. Scott, then a firefighter based in the city, forced himself on the victim, kissing her, attempting further kisses, and placing his hand under her clothing to sexually touch her. He then stalked her for nearly four months afterwards.
The most alarming incident took place in the early hours of October 24, 2023, in Dundee. Scott had snorted cocaine before 'prowling the streets' and identifying a lone woman walking home. He approached her, asked her to pretend to be his girlfriend, and then repeatedly grabbed her hand. As they neared a cash machine, he tried to forcibly pull her into an alleyway with the intention of raping her, but she managed to break free.
The third assault happened on March 22, 2024, in Perth. Scott met an acquaintance in a Tesco car park, persuaded her into his car, and later sexually assaulted her by trying to kiss her repeatedly. After she escaped, he followed her home, driving past and staring at her.
Career in Ruins and Problematic Attitudes
Scott, who had previously worked as a lifeguard, had been with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for over six years. He was suspended immediately following his arrest and his career as a firefighter is now over. Defence counsel James McCrone said his client's role had been 'central to his identity'.
Sheriff Wood highlighted Scott's lack of remorse, noting that reports presented 'a particularly attractive picture'. The sheriff said: 'You indulge in victim-blaming, have a sense of entitlement and display ego-centric attitudes. You don't appear to accept any sense of responsibility for your actions.'
The court was told Scott has a history of substance misuse, addiction, and gambling difficulties. He is now working as a 'specialist confined space rescue supervisor'.
