AN ALLOA pensioner convicted of asking to take naked pictures of a 12-year-old girl has been banned from entering parks and children’s play areas.

John Paton has also been placed on the sex offender’s register and will be supervised for the next 18 months.

The 66-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court last month and sentencing was deferred to allow social workers to re-examine the facts of the case before submitting their report.

During that appearance, which took place on Thursday 19 March, the court heard that Paton had been caring for two young girls at his home on Whins Road on 13 September 2014.

He asked the 12-year-old: “Is it OK if I take some pictures of you without your clothes to keep?’ The youngster said no and went into the other room to her friend who then confirmed she had heard what was said.

They then informed one of the girls’ parents who told them to leave the property before she then contacted police.

At the previous hearing, depute fiscal Marie-Claire Chaffey said that when interviewed by officers, Paton broadly admitted the circumstances of the offence.

When they arrived at his door, he asked them if it was in relation to what ‘he had said to the girls?’ He told officers: “I had my camera and I said to them it would be better if they were nude.” After being cautioned, he told police: “I’m sorry for what I said; I know I shouldn’t have. Sometimes I say things without thinking.” Paton appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court for sentencing on Thursday (16 April) where he was given a community payback order.

He was told he would be supervised for the next 18 months while being placed on the sex offender’s register.

Furthermore, he was given two conduct requirements, one of which prohibits him from contacting or attempting to contact the young complainer in the charge.

He is also banned from entering any park, school, nursery school, children’s play area or any other place where children ‘habitually congregate’, without prior consent from his supervising officer.

Last month, when the Advertiser printed a story about John Paton, we were informed there are in fact two John Patons of the same age living in Alloa.

To clarify again, the above article does not refer to Mr Paton who resides at Menteith Court.

For information, the reason why we publish the street address of those within court proceedings is to avoid defaming anyone else in the county who may have the same name.