A Cambuslang pervert who sexually assaulted a sleeping nine-year-old boy has been jailed for two years.
Dexter Stirling, 29, performed a sexual act on the child and groped him after putting his hand under his clothing.
Stirling even struck while he was naked in the shower with his terrified victim.
Stirling committed the crimes at properties in Cambuslang and Motherwell, South Lanarkshire and in a car park in Carfin.
The offences spanned from January 1 2018 to January 31 2019 while the boy was aged between nine and 11.
The first offender, of Cambuslang, was convicted by a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court of sexual assault.
Stirling was added to the sex offenders register for 10 years and banned from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Sheriff Alan Mackenzie told Stirling: “The boy was aged between nine and 11 while you were aged between 26 and 27.
“During that time, you also sent 220 text messages to the child and repeatedly visited him in his home.
“I have listened to all that’s been said and I recognise that you have no previous convictions.
“I shouldn’t impose a custodial sentence if I’m satisfied there is no other method of dealing with you.
“I consider given the nature of the offending, the expression of society towards this behaviour and given the gravity of the offending, I consider no other disposal as appropriate other than custody.”
Stirling hugged a woman in the public gallery before he was sent into custody.
