GARY LAVER FROM EDINBURGH CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE HUNTER STING AND JAILED
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Edinburgh, a man named Gary Laver has been sentenced to prison after being caught in a covert operation targeting online child predators.The incident unfolded in September 2022, when Laver, aged 59 and residing in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh, was lured into a trap set by the vigilant group Protecting Kids Scotland.
Over a period of four weeks, Laver engaged in a series of inappropriate online communications with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl named Sophie.
During this time, he sent her explicit messages and images of his genitals, clearly indicating his intent to pursue a sexual relationship with a minor.
The predator's actions escalated as he continued to contact Sophie via a chat site and later through WhatsApp, where he persistently referred to her as “sexy” and demanded that she send him full-length photographs of herself.
On September 10, the operation reached its climax when Laver arranged to meet Sophie in Edinburgh’s city centre.
He arrived in his distinctive red Jaguar, expecting to meet the girl he believed was a minor.
However, members of the Protecting Kids Scotland group were waiting for him and confronted him upon his arrival.
The police were called to the scene, arriving approximately 15 minutes later, and Laver was taken into custody.
The live-streamed sting, which was broadcast on the group's Facebook page, garnered over 85,000 views, highlighting the public's concern over online child exploitation.
Further investigations revealed that Laver had also downloaded 118 indecent images of children onto his mobile device, adding to the severity of his offenses.
Following his arrest, authorities received additional reports from relatives and friends of Laver, who disclosed disturbing details about his past conduct.
One relative recounted an incident in April 2018, where Laver allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl he was babysitting.
According to the report, Laver entered the girl’s bed while naked, placed her hand on his genitals, and moved her hand towards his waistband, actions that constitute serious sexual abuse.
Another account from a family friend detailed Laver’s inappropriate behavior towards a 14-year-old girl.
It was reported that Laver had offered to drive her to visit a relative in Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital, where she was being treated for cancer.
During these drives, Laver repeatedly placed his hand on her upper thigh, engaging in inappropriate contact on multiple occasions between December 2016 and December 2018.
At Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Laver pleaded guilty to five sexual offenses.
Prosecutor Ross Price outlined the extent of Laver’s misconduct, emphasizing the ongoing nature of his predatory behavior.
Laver was remanded into custody and was subsequently placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
The court deferred sentencing until next month to allow for a comprehensive social work report, with Sheriff Robert Fife noting the gravity of the charges and the seriousness of the case.
The court also indicated that all sentencing options remain open, reflecting the severity of Laver’s actions and the potential consequences he faces in the future.
