A CREEP from Tillicoultry who preyed on young teenagers has once again avoided a jail sentence despite breaching his Community Payback Order for the third time.

Darren Whyte came close to being jailed in May last year after being convicted of numerous grooming offences against children.

As an alternative to custody the deviant was handed a community based disposal; however, the 27-year-old has now breached its provisions on three separate occasions.

Last Thursday, Alloa Sheriff Court was told he was now co-operating and was given another chance to engage further.

Whyte, of High Street, used social media to strike up conversations with eight separate teenagers under 16 years of age.

However, he was given a supervision order in 2016 after he admitted sending sexually written communication to a 15-year-old boy and five girls between the ages of 13 and 16.

The twisted pervert also sent sexually explicit images of a naked penis to two further young girls under the age of 16.

He told a 14-year-old girl he would like to perform a sexual act on her, and told another child about a sexual dream.

Whyte, who is on the sex offenders’ register, boasted then sent the 15-year-old boy messages, and then suggested “some kind of sexual practice between them”.

As reported by the Advertiser at the time, Whyte’s crimes took place over a six-month period between August 2014 and February 2015. He was eventually snared after a friend saw the chats on Facebook and alerted the authorities.

Whyte’s defence counsel, Jim Savage, told the court last week that his client has a background of emotional and psychological vulnerability, but did concede that this was a very serious matter.

The lawyer said: “It is reflected in the social work reports that he is engaging with the order again and is doing so appropriately.

“There are two aspects to this. The need for the vulnerable people in society who are possibly at risk from Mr Whyte were he to reoffend, and also how the public are best protected from Mr Whyte.

“I think a custodial sentence would deprive the vulnerable people the protection that they need. I am also advised that my client has re-engaged with a psychologist and has appointments coming up.

“My invitation is to note the breach and let the order continue as it is but to have regular reviews of it.”

Sheriff David Mackie spoke of his disappointment at the return of Whyte as he gave his judgement.

He said: “I know you well because I met you at hearings and it is disappointing to see you here yet again. 

“I place a lot of weight on the social work report which makes clear that this is not a new crime, it is because you are not following the requirements of your order.

“That is an important factor and tells me you are back on track and re-engaging with the criminal justice social work department. It’s for that reason I will let the order continue.”

A review of the court order has been set down for September 28.