DANIEL WALKE, GARY WILSON, AND MARTIN MURRAY SENTENCED IN GLASGOW, IRVINE, AND TRIMDON COLLIERY FOR CHILD INDECENCY CRIMES

In a significant case that has drawn widespread attention, three men have been sentenced to prison terms after admitting their involvement in serious crimes against a teenage girl. The incidents, which spanned across different locations including Glasgow, Irvine, and Trimdon Colliery, involved disturbing acts of indecency and exploitation of a minor, highlighting the dangers of online interactions and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable youths.

Daniel Walke, aged 33 and a resident of Glasgow, Gary Wilson, aged 41 from County Durham, and Martin Murray, aged 36 from Irvine, appeared before the High Court in Paisley to face charges related to their misconduct. Each of the men pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges concerning their inappropriate and illegal conduct involving the teenage girl, who had posted her photograph on the Faceparty website. The court was told that after posting her picture online, she was subjected to a barrage of sexual invitations from older men, which led to a series of criminal investigations.

Wilson's crimes were particularly egregious. He admitted to having sexual relations with the girl starting from when she was just 13 years old. One of their encounters took place in a car parked in wooded areas near Edinburgh, where Wilson engaged in sexual activity with her while she was under the influence of an aerosol she had requested. Wilson, a father of two, was found to have met the girl four times, with their meetings occurring in various locations including an apartment in Edinburgh and hotels in Edinburgh and Kinross. His last known meeting was in May 2006, when he stopped his car in the woods near the Pentland Hills after purchasing an aerosol for her. The girl was reportedly intoxicated with the contents of the aerosol during their sexual encounter.

The police investigation was initiated in September 2006 after the girl’s mother discovered a note containing cash and examined her computer. Advocate depute James Wolffe QC, prosecuting, explained that police found chat logs on the girl’s computer documenting conversations between Wilson and the girl. Wilson, who was also involved in online chats, confessed to police after they searched his home in Trimdon Colliery, County Durham. Evidence revealed that Wilson had engaged in explicit online conversations with the girl and had also sent her £50 along with a note stating, “Just to show you I’m serious about everything.” Further investigations uncovered that Wilson had communicated with 15 other minors online, although he never met any of them in person.

Meanwhile, Daniel Walker, from St Vincent Street in Glasgow, was also implicated in the case. Authorities seized his computer equipment, which revealed chat logs with multiple girls under 16, including the girl involved in this case. Walker admitted to having internet contact with the girl and expressed his sado-masochistic fantasies through online messages. He also sent her money, emphasizing his seriousness about their interactions. Despite his online activities, Walker stated he had never met any of the girls he communicated with in person.

Martin Murray’s involvement was also detailed during the court proceedings. When police visited his home on Strathmore Park in Irvine, Ayrshire, he acknowledged their presence, stating, “I think I know why you are here.” It was revealed that Murray had spent a night in a hotel with the girl, during which a sexual act took place. He also took explicit photographs of her using his mobile phone. The court heard that Murray had a direct physical relationship with the girl and had engaged in acts that were deemed highly inappropriate and illegal.

Judge Lord Brodie emphasized the severity of the crimes committed by the three men. He described Wilson’s actions as constituting child abuse at a most serious level and sentenced him to 40 months in prison. Walker was sentenced to two years for his online activities and the invasion of the girl’s privacy through explicit messages. Murray received an 18-month sentence for his involvement, which he admitted was “wholly wrong.”

All three men were also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and had their sentences extended with two-year post-release supervision orders. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes involving minors and online exploitation, aiming to protect vulnerable young individuals from such predatory behavior.