Midlothian teen arrests after sex offender protests

Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 17, were arrested and charged following an alleged disturbance at Pavilion Court in Penicuik, Midlothian, on 27 July. The incident occurred amid a series of protests in Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Penicuik targeting a registered sex offender believed to be housed nearby.

Police Scotland officials stressed the difference between lawful protest and criminal behaviour. Chief Inspector Gordon Couper said, “We recognise the concern and distress these incidents have caused to residents in Midlothian. Our role is to ensure public safety, responding proportionally to any incidents that happen and minimise disruption.” He added that registered sex offenders are managed robustly through MAPPA and warned that “outing” offenders can undermine public safety.

Retrospective enquiries continue into related vandalism of cars and property, and officers noted the protests required additional policing resources, affecting response capacity elsewhere.