Inverness American football club issues assurances on safety after ex-head coach Robbie Paulin found guilty of taking naked images of teenage boys

An Inverness American football club is assuring parents and young athletes it “remains a safe place” after its former head coach was found guilty of sex offences against teenage boys.

Robert Paulin of Canal Road, Inverness, paid the youngsters to pose for naked photos and videos under the pretence of making a sex education film.

After conviction following a four-day trial last week, Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald branded the 39-year-old “very dangerous”, having displayed “a level of grooming and manipulation that I have rarely seen”.

Paulin, who has led coaching sessions at schools across the Highlands, was found guilty of two charges of arranging or facilitating the involvement in pornography of a person aged under 18 between 2012 and 2014.

The victims were aged 15 and 17.

One posed naked for the indecent photographs, some of which Paulin himself took, with video also taken of the teenager performing a solo sex act.

Paulin also had the other pose naked while he took indecent images, including photographs of his private parts, while attempting to take video of him performing a solo sex act.

The charges detail how the teenagers participated in exchange for payment “allegedly by a third party”.

Paulin had denied any wrongdoing during the trial and was acquitted of three further sex charges.

Highland Wildcats, founded in 1999 and a charity since 2006, have won 11 Scottish Championships, one UK Flag Football Championship and three Youth UK Championship.

Reacting to the court judgement, a Highland Wildcats’ spokesperson described details of the offences heard in court as “distressing”.

Writing on social media, the spokesperson said a thorough review of safeguarding protocols had since been carried out.

“Highland Wildcats wishes to express its shock and sadness at the actions of the individual concerned and offer sympathies to those affected by his conduct,” it read.

“The Highland Wildcats was and remains a safe place for young athletes and volunteers to thrive.

“None of the incidents which came to light during court proceedings took place during any training or group sessions involving the club.

“Upon learning of allegations against Mr Paulin, the club immediately implemented its established safeguarding protocols – including his suspension from all duties associated with the club.

“We subsequently conducted a thorough internal review of safeguarding processes and were satisfied that all protocols were upheld to the fullest.

“We supported the investigation undertaken into allegations, which led to his conviction

“The trust placed in us by our players, parents, and the wider community is paramount.”

To further demonstrate the club’s commitment to safeguarding, it has unilaterally introduced mandatory child protection and safeguarding training for all staff, coaches, and volunteers.

A qualified welfare officer has also been installed to encourage the reporting of any concerns.

“We understand that this news may cause distress to our players, families, and supporters,” the statement continued.

“The Highland Wildcats remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where all young people can thrive through the sport of American Football.

“If anyone associated with the club has further concerns, or feel directly or indirectly affected by the actions of Mr Paulin, we encourage you to contact our dedicated welfare officer on highlandwildcats.safeguarding@gmail.com.”

Paulin’s sentencing has been deferred for background reports until April 22, at 10am, with bail continued.