MAN FOUND GUILTY OF ONLINE GROOMING TARGETING A VULNERABLE 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL WITH AUTISM
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Dumbarton and Leith, David Jamieson, a 50-year-old man, was found guilty of engaging in a disturbing online grooming campaign targeting a vulnerable 13-year-old girl with autism.The incident came to light after Jamieson, who previously resided in Dumbarton and later in Leith, bombarded the young girl with hundreds of sexually explicit messages via Facebook, attempting to manipulate her into meeting him at the popular Alton Towers theme park.
According to court records, Jamieson told the girl that he “loved” her during their online exchanges and repeatedly asked whether she felt “sexually excited” by him.
His messages grew increasingly inappropriate and invasive, crossing boundaries that should never be breached, especially considering the girl’s age and developmental challenges.
The grooming campaign persisted from July 1 to October 19, 2011, during which Jamieson also sent her gifts, including tickets to an English Premier League football match between Everton and Queens Park Rangers, and an Everton football top, in an apparent attempt to build a closer connection.
The case took a further disturbing turn when Jamieson sent a message to the girl’s twin sister, asking her to expose her breasts and making lewd remarks.
The girl, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning difficulties, and is on the autistic spectrum, was unable to fully comprehend the nature of Jamieson’s messages.
Her mother was alerted after the girl responded with disgust to the twin sister’s request, calling Jamieson a “sick” and “weirdo.” The police investigation revealed that Jamieson’s Facebook activity included approximately 800 postings from him directed at the girl.
The messages became increasingly sexualized, with Jamieson expressing his affection by saying “I’m daft on you” and “I love you.” During one exchange, he asked her what she thought of him when they met, to which she replied that he was “funny.” When he pressed further, asking if she felt “sexually excited,” she responded with “Nar,” indicating her confusion and discomfort.
The situation escalated when Jamieson sent a message to the girl’s twin sister, asking if she had signed up for Playboy and requesting her to expose her breasts “to let the air get to them.” The twin sister, appalled by the request, responded sharply, “I’m 13, that’s sick you weirdo,” and promptly informed her mother.
The young girl’s mother then contacted authorities, leading to Jamieson’s arrest.
During police interviews, Jamieson claimed he believed the twins were 15 years old and that he must have been intoxicated when sending the messages.
His defence solicitor, Mark Harrower, stated that Jamieson felt “really embarrassed” about his actions and that “it didn’t seem real” at the time he sent the messages.
Jamieson, who was residing at Albion Gardens in Leith at the time of his arrest, appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sending explicit messages and attempting to meet the girl.
He also admitted to making a sexual remark to her sister between September 28 and October 19, 2011.
Judge Donald Corke deferred sentencing until May 22 to allow for reports to be prepared and ordered Jamieson to be placed on the sex offenders register, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the need for appropriate legal measures to protect the community.
