BARRIE ROBERTSON CAUGHT IN INSCH ONLINE PREDATOR STING BY CHILD PROTECTORS SCOTLAND

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing threat of online grooming, Barrie Robertson, a 37-year-old man from Insch, Aberdeenshire, was caught in a sting operation conducted by Child Protectors Scotland. The incident unfolded over a four-day period in late September 2020, during which Robertson engaged in a series of sexually explicit communications with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl named “Sky” on social media platforms.

Unbeknownst to Robertson, the individual he was communicating with was not a minor but a member of a dedicated paedophile-hunting group. The group had set up a trap to catch predators attempting to exploit minors online. Over the course of their interactions, Robertson sent numerous sexual messages to “Sky,” including requests for nude images. He also took the step of sending a sexual image of male genitals to the supposed minor, further demonstrating his intent to engage in illegal activity.

Although Robertson was not physically present in court during the proceedings, his legal representative, solicitor Tony Burgess, appeared on his behalf and entered a guilty plea to two charges. The first charge involved attempting to communicate indecently with a child by sending sexual messages and requesting explicit images. The second charge related to attempting to cause a child to view a sexual image, specifically by sending an image of male genitals to the individual posing as “Sky.”

The offences were committed between September 22 and September 25 of the previous year. The case was brought before Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Philip Mann deferred sentencing until the following week, allowing Robertson to appear in person. His address was listed as Foudland Crescent in Insch, Aberdeenshire.

Following the incident, Child Protectors Scotland released a Facebook Live video in which members of the group confronted Robertson at his residence. The group emphasized the growing problem of online grooming, noting a significant rise in such activities worldwide. They called for harsher penalties for offenders, arguing that current sentences are insufficient given the lifelong damage inflicted on victims. The group expressed concern that law enforcement agencies lack the resources and manpower necessary to monitor the internet continuously and prevent these crimes effectively.

Overall, the case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for stronger legal measures to protect children from online predators, as well as the ongoing efforts of organizations like Child Protectors Scotland to combat this pervasive issue.