DAVID PURCELL FROM KELSO CAUGHT SENDING INDECENT PHOTOS TO PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS IN EDINBURGH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, David Purcell, a 50-year-old former Army veteran from Kelso in the Scottish Borders, was found guilty of engaging in online sexual communication with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The incident unfolded earlier this year when Purcell initiated contact with an online account that he thought belonged to a teenage girl, but in reality, he was communicating with members of an online paedophile hunter group.

Over a span of three weeks, Purcell sent the group revolting videos of himself performing solo sex acts, and he also requested the supposed minor to send indecent images of herself. Additionally, he repeatedly sent explicit photos of his penis to the account, demonstrating a clear pattern of predatory behavior. The authorities and the online group became aware that Purcell was not communicating with a young girl but was, in fact, engaging with individuals working undercover to catch online predators.

Members of the paedophile hunter group decided to confront Purcell at his former residence in Edinburgh, intending to hold him accountable for his online activities. However, upon arrival, they were informed by a family member that Purcell was not present at the property at that time. Following this, and after learning of the group's involvement, Purcell took the initiative to surrender himself to a local police station. During questioning, he confessed to the crimes he had committed.

Purcell appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of sending sexual images over the internet to someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl. He was brought back to the court for sentencing, where Sheriff Alistair Noble addressed the seriousness of the case. The sheriff acknowledged that Purcell's actions constituted a grave matter, emphasizing that he believed he was communicating with a minor, although it was a decoy set up by the authorities.

In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Noble noted Purcell’s background, highlighting his service in the armed forces, specifically with the Motor Transport Platoon. Recognizing his otherwise productive life, the sheriff decided on a community-based punishment rather than imprisonment. Purcell was ordered to complete a community payback order, be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for three years, and be subject to supervision for the same period. Furthermore, he was required to adhere to a conduct requirement that mandated him not to delete any internet history and to provide any electronic devices for inspection when requested by authorities.

Currently residing in Kelso, Scottish Borders, Purcell’s case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and community groups to combat online predatory behavior and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.