CHARLES RIDDELL FROM BLAIRGOWRIE INVOLVED IN ONLINE PAEDOPHILE STING

In a case that has shocked the local community of Blairgowrie, Charles Riddell, a former wrestler with ties to the Scottish Wrestling Entertainment organization, has been found guilty of serious online misconduct involving the exploitation of a minor. The incident came to light after police investigations uncovered disturbing evidence of Riddell’s attempts to groom a young boy online under the false identity of a 14-year-old named Dylan.

According to court reports, Riddell engaged in a covert operation that was part of a nationwide sting aimed at catching online predators targeting children. Unbeknownst to him, he was communicating with an undercover police officer who was posing as a teenage boy. During these interactions, Riddell sent a video of himself performing a sexual act, believing he was communicating with a minor. The police had set up a trap, and the evidence collected was damning.

The police raid on Riddell’s residence in Blairgowrie revealed that his bedding matched the background of the explicit video he had posted online, providing further evidence linking him to the crime. Sheriff William Wood expressed concern over the potential harm that could have been caused if the video had been viewed by a child, emphasizing the severity of the offense.

During the court proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Riddell had engaged in multiple illicit activities. He had filmed himself performing a sexual act and then sent the video via Skype, unaware that he was being monitored as part of the police operation. Prosecutor Nicola Gillespie detailed that Riddell had also requested pictures of the boy in his underwear during video calls, which were sexual in nature. The court heard that there was a second call during which Riddell carried out a sexual act, further demonstrating his intent and misconduct.

Investigations into Riddell’s computer confirmed that he had been in contact with the fictitious identity “Dylan” and possessed indecent images of children. Riddell, who resides on Ardblair Road in Blairgowrie, admitted to possessing these images between July 14, 2016, and August 16, 2017. He also confessed to sending the explicit video to what he believed was a 14-year-old boy on October 23 of the previous year, seeking sexual gratification.

Riddell’s background as a wrestler, known by the ring name “Chas Phoenix,” was once prominent in the Tayside area, but he has since been suspended from his wrestling organization. Scottish Wrestling Entertainment confirmed that they have severed all ties with him, stating that he has been completely erased from their records and that his involvement in wrestling is a thing of the past. The organization emphasized that his actions have no connection to the sport or its community.

In light of his offenses, Riddell was sentenced to perform unpaid work as part of his punishment. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory behavior.