IAIN FREEMAN FROM AIRDRIE SENTENCED FOR GROOMING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL ON HEARTS SITE IN EDINBURGH

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online grooming, Iain Freeman, a 20-year-old man from Airdrie, has been sentenced to prison after engaging in a predatory relationship with a 13-year-old girl through a popular football fan forum dedicated to Hearts supporters. The incident unfolded when Freeman initiated contact with the young teenager via the forum, a platform used by fans to exchange messages and share photographs related to their beloved team.

According to reports, Freeman's communication with the girl quickly took a sinister turn. The teenager, who later confided to police that she had never even kissed a boy before, was persuaded to engage in sexual activity with Freeman. The act took place in a public toilet near the Hearts football ground, Tynecastle Park, in June 2007. The girl’s family became suspicious when they discovered picture messages from Freeman on her mobile phone, prompting them to alert authorities.

Freeman’s actions did not stop there. Despite being aware of the girl’s age, he continued to pursue her, asking her to be his girlfriend and arranging meetings at both home and away matches involving Hearts. Their initial meeting at Tynecastle was brief, as they did not speak during the game because her parents were seated nearby. The relationship escalated to a sexual encounter in Gorgie, which was facilitated by Freeman in a public toilet, marking a deeply troubling breach of trust and safety.

Prosecutor Ross McKay described the girl as a shy and reserved teenager who had never experienced romantic relationships before. Freeman, who was 19 at the time of the offences, had asked her out and claimed that she wanted to wait before becoming involved with him. He also exploited her strained relationship with her parents to manipulate her into continuing contact.

During the court proceedings at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff James Scott emphasized that Freeman’s actions warranted a custodial sentence. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with an additional 18 months on licence. Freeman was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life, following his admission to sending sexually explicit video clips to the girl’s mobile phone. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of online grooming and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from predators who exploit digital platforms for their own malicious purposes.