EDINBURGH SEX OFFENDER ALEXANDA LAVEROCK CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE PREDATION CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Edinburgh, 35-year-old Alexanda Laverock has been found guilty of engaging in online sexual communication with what he believed was a teenage girl. The incident unfolded in October of this year, when Laverock initiated contact with a social media account under the alias 'Stacey,' claiming to be 14 years old.

During their online exchanges, Laverock repeatedly sent explicit messages, including a photograph of his erect penis. He also made inappropriate comments, telling the girl she looked 'cute' and inquiring whether she was 'into older [men].' The messages quickly escalated, with Laverock instructing the girl on how to masturbate and encouraging her to explore her sexuality. He told her that 'it will feel good' and suggested that 'it's better to use your fingers,' further demonstrating his predatory intent.

At one point, Laverock disclosed that he was 'playing with himself,' and he shared explicit images in the process. Despite the apparent age of the recipient, he continued to pursue the conversation, showing no regard for the legality or morality of his actions. The police and authorities were alerted after members of Scotland's Child Protection Team Against Sexual Abuse, a dedicated paedophile hunter group, uncovered the truth.

Members of this vigilant group managed to track down Laverock at his residence in the Tollcross area of Edinburgh. They live streamed the confrontation to a wide audience of over 70,000 viewers on October 31, exposing his actions to the public. Following this, law enforcement officials were contacted, and the paedophile hunters handed over a comprehensive folder containing all the evidence they had collected against Laverock.

Subsequently, Laverock appeared before the Edinburgh sheriff court on a Friday, where he pleaded guilty to two charges: sending sexual written communications and sharing a sexual image with someone he believed to be a minor aged between 13 and 16. The court heard that the communication began on October 20 and continued until October 31, with Laverock initially contacting the girl via social media before requesting to switch the conversation to WhatsApp and Snapchat.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Laverock asked the girl if she was into older men, and upon learning she was only 14, he responded with a nonchalant 'I didn't mind.' He also admitted to carrying out a solo sexual act and sent explicit images of himself to the girl. The messages included detailed instructions on masturbation, with Laverock advising her that 'it will feel good' and that 'it's better to use your fingers.'

Defense lawyer Paul Smith indicated that he would reserve all mitigation for the sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for next month. The court, presided over by Sheriff Christopher Dickson, ordered that Laverock be placed on the sex offenders register on an interim basis. Additionally, the sheriff deferred sentencing to allow for further reports and an assessment for a restriction of liberty order.

Sheriff Dickson also announced that Laverock's name would be referred to Scottish Ministers for inclusion on the list of individuals deemed unsuitable for employment involving children and vulnerable adults in the future, reflecting the severity of his actions and the potential risk to the community.