Survivor speaks out about childhood sexual abuse committed by ‘trusted’ Inverness sports coach

A survivor of childhood sexual offences has spoken out about his story, to “help other young people stuck in similar situations”.

It comes after the ex-head coach of Inverness-based Highland Wildcats American football club was found guilty of sex offences against teenage boys between 2012 and 2014.

One of these victims was Shaun Matheson, who has now waived his right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse, to speak up about his experience.

“Robbie Paulin was my coach, he was my best friend… he is my sexual assaulter,” Shaun said. “It’s not very often you hear about males in sports being affected by someone in a position of power, like a coach.

“I knew Robbie from the age of 11 or 12. Throughout my teenage years, he took advantage of his position for his own disgusting desires. Anyone who knew me, Robbie, the Wildcats or NutProductions knew just how close we were - despite him being 10 years older than me.

“At 25 years old - around the same age Robbie would have been [when he abused me] - it started to affect me personally. This led me to finally open up to my now ex-girlfriend about what was troubling me. Minutes after that conversation, we were in the police station giving a statement. I would’ve continued to let it eat me up if it weren’t for her.

“I feel guilty that it took me so long to speak up. But honestly, I trusted him as a friend. The fact that it was wrong didn’t even cross my mind until I was an adult myself.”

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

Paulin was found guilty of two charges of arranging or facilitating the involvement in pornography of a person aged under 18 between 2012 and 2014.

Shaun continued: “Coming forward to the police in 2022 allowed other victims and witnesses to do the same. I’m thankful to those who stepped up - especially when others turned a blind eye.

“I also want to make it clear: although the Highland Wildcats released a statement saying they ‘offer sympathies to those affected’, no one from the club has actually reached out to show those sympathies. In fact, quite the opposite. I, and others, have been blocked and banished from seeing their social media posts.

“To the club: I want you to know how upsetting your cold shoulder has been. It is beyond disappointing.

“American football helped shape me into the man I am today. It’s a brilliant game that fosters a sense of family - we took pride in each other, we grew together, and we battled together.”

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 Championships.

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

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

Shaun stated: “What Robbie has now been convicted of is utterly disgusting and deserves the full force of the law. He had the responsibility of a leader, a mentor, and a role model - and he completely abused that trust.

“This news may come as a shock to the general public. But I know that if you were a player or coach during the same time as me, you knew Robbie was spending far too much time outside of the game with his young players.

“Now, this has been a three-plus-year process for me - from the initial statement to the investigation, court procedures, delays and now conviction. So I don’t need or want sympathy - that’s natural, but I’ve already been through that with those closest to me. I have people around me who I love dearly.

“The goal was to ensure he could never work with kids again. We achieved that. Whatever happens next with his sentencing is in the judge’s hands - it’s no longer my burden to carry.

“I want to move on and rebuild. I want to become an advocate for protecting young people in sports. I wasn’t going to speak up, but I feel like I can take what I’ve been through and use it for good.”

For support services for survivors of sexual violence, visit www.rasash.org.uk/support-line/