JOHN CROOKS PERTH PAEDOPHILE EX-SURGEON SPARED JAIL IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Perth community, John Crooks, a 54-year-old former urology surgeon, narrowly avoided imprisonment after admitting to serious criminal conduct involving an undercover police operation.The incident unfolded when Crooks believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl from Perth through an online messaging platform.
Under the false identity of Lara Dickson, Crooks engaged in a series of inappropriate and explicit exchanges, revealing his intentions to meet the girl in person for unlawful sexual activity.
Unbeknownst to Crooks, the individual he was communicating with was an undercover police officer.
During their conversations, Crooks sent graphic images of himself, including pictures of his private parts, and made explicit comments, claiming he was a doctor who wished to examine her.
He also expressed a desire to meet her, having arranged to do so at a Travelodge in Perth.
Crooks had packed a bag with condoms, lubricant, and Viagra, indicating his intent to engage in sexual activity upon meeting the girl.
The police had been monitoring Crooks’s online activity after receiving intelligence about his communications.
When Crooks arrived at the Travelodge, he was promptly detained by officers at the reception.
The officers had been waiting for him, having been tipped off about his plans.
Crooks’s possession of condoms, lube, and Viagra at the scene further confirmed his intentions.
He was taken into custody and later appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges.
These included attempting to communicate indecently with a child, attempting to cause a child to view sexual images by sending explicit pictures, and attempting to meet a minor for unlawful sexual purposes.
The court heard that Crooks had engaged in these activities between February 2018 and March 2018.
During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Martin Jones QC acknowledged the gravity of Crooks’s actions.
Recognizing the serious nature of the offences, the sheriff opted for a sentence that avoided immediate custody, describing it as a direct alternative to jail time.
Sheriff Jones imposed a three-year community payback order, which includes strict conditions such as supervision, 300 hours of unpaid community service, and restrictions on internet use.
Crooks will also be registered as a sex offender for three years and is prohibited from using any online tools that could connect him to the internet unless the activity can be monitored and checked by authorities.
At the time of the incident, Crooks was residing in Kirkintilloch.
The case has raised significant concerns about online safety and the risks posed by individuals with predatory intentions targeting minors, even in seemingly innocuous digital environments.
The community and authorities continue to emphasize vigilance and the importance of safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.
