GORDON BROWN FROM AYRSHIRE CAUGHT IN DISTURBING ONLINE SEX OFFENCE CASE

Gordon Brown, a 69-year-old man from Ayrshire, has found himself at the center of a serious criminal case involving disturbing online conduct. The case came to light when Brown appeared before Ayr Sheriff Court to face charges related to indecent behaviour towards an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, though in reality, the person was an adult. Brown pleaded guilty to two separate charges, which included causing an older child to view a sexual image and engaging in indecent communication with a person he thought was a minor. The incidents reportedly took place between August 11 and August 13 of this year, in the vicinity of Cumnock Road, Mauchline, a location within Ayrshire.

According to court documents, Brown's actions were carried out with the intent of sexual gratification, and his conduct was described as humiliating, distressing, and alarming to the victim. The charges include sending explicit messages and attempting to meet the supposed child in his vehicle. The case was further complicated by Brown's prior arrest in the Mauchline area, which was the result of an online sting operation conducted by 'paedophile hunters.' These groups often set up decoy profiles to catch individuals attempting to engage in illegal activities involving minors.

Prosecutor Craig Wainwright, a procurator fiscal depute, informed the court that Brown was remanded in custody for further examination after bail was denied during a previous court appearance on November 11. Wainwright explained that Brown was committed for additional investigation and would remain in custody until the case proceeds. He detailed that Brown had set up a profile on a dating app under the alias 'Rubie,' claiming to be a 20-year-old female. The profile used a picture of a much younger girl, which was dormant until contact was initiated.

On the evening of August 11, at 8:42 pm, Brown contacted the decoy profile using a profile named 'Gordon,' which depicted him topless and claimed he was 68 years old from Kilmarnock. During the exchange, Brown repeatedly complimented 'Rubie,' calling her 'gorgeous,' and made suggestive comments about taking a shower and being naked, claiming he was getting cold. The decoy, posing as a 14-year-old girl, expressed concern about getting into trouble, to which Brown responded with further inappropriate remarks.

The conversation shifted to WhatsApp, where Brown continued his inappropriate communication. He claimed to have taken images of himself after showering and asked if sending a picture would cheer her up. Subsequently, Brown sent an explicit image of his erect penis, followed by additional images of his lower body in boxer shorts, all while maintaining that he was naked and in the shower. Throughout the exchange, Brown's messages included repeated references to nudity and showering, with images of his face and private parts being shared. Notably, the decoy did not invite or encourage this contact.

Following his online activity, Brown was reported to the police, where he confessed to communicating with 'Rubie.' His admission came during an interview with officers investigating the case. Brown's legal representative, solicitor John Gallagher, indicated that he would reserve any plea in mitigation until further reports, including social work assessments and risk evaluations, could be completed.

Sheriff Shirley Foran ordered that Brown be remanded in custody pending further proceedings. She also informed him that due to the nature of the offences, he would be subject to the registration requirements under the sex offences legislation, with the full extent of these obligations to be clarified at the final disposal of the case. Brown was returned to custody and is scheduled to appear again at Ayr Sheriff Court at a later date to face the consequences of his actions.