JAMES MCKERRELL FROM EDINBURGH SENTENCED FOR INDECENT PHOTOS OF SCHOOLGIRLS IN GRANTON
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Edinburgh, James McKerrell, aged 63, was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of taking indecent photographs of three schoolgirls he befriended in Granton Park.The incident, which occurred between July and September of this year, involved McKerrell inviting young children into his flat located on Granton Crescent at various times, with one of the victims being as young as six years old.
According to court reports, McKerrell made inappropriate and indecent remarks to three of the children, aged between ten and thirteen.
He coerced them into stripping or lifting their tops and proceeded to photograph them using a Polaroid camera.
During these encounters, he also offered the children cigarettes, cash, and alcohol, further exploiting their vulnerability.
It was revealed during an earlier hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court that McKerrell had a history of sex offences and had been legally prohibited from forming any associations with children since October of the previous year.
Despite this court order, he blatantly disregarded the restrictions and began engaging with local schoolgirls in Granton Park, near his residence.
Over a span of two months, he managed to invite six children back to his flat, obtaining several mobile phone numbers and later sending them text messages.
The first victim was a ten-year-old girl whom McKerrell recognized by name when he saw her in the park.
A few days after their initial contact, he invited her and a friend, also aged ten, to his flat.
During these visits, he offered them alcohol and cigarettes.
On subsequent visits, he asked both girls to lift their tops so he could photograph their naked torsos.
He used a Polaroid camera for this purpose.
Additionally, he persuaded one of the children to wear a bikini top he had taken from a cupboard.
As the girls left his flat, he gave each of them three cigarettes.
McKerrell pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of lewd behavior, breach of the peace, possession of indecent photographs, and violation of a sexual offences prevention order.
Sheriff Mhairi Stephen sentenced him to five years in prison, with an extended sentence of one year to be served following his release.
Furthermore, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.
