MARK MCCAIG CAUGHT IN GREENOCK UNDERCOVER POLICE TRAP FOR SEX OFFENSES

In January 2020, Mark McCaig, a resident of Greenock's Branchton area, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation after he was caught in a covert police operation targeting online sexual offenses. The incident unfolded when an undercover officer, posing as a 13-year-old girl, engaged in a series of conversations with McCaig on the social media platform Kik, leading to disturbing revelations about his intentions and actions.

Over the course of approximately one month, police monitored McCaig’s online activity, during which he sent a series of highly inappropriate and explicit messages. These messages, which are too graphic to publish in detail, revealed his disturbing mindset and intentions. McCaig believed he was communicating with a girl named 'Kaitlin,' who had just turned 13 three months prior to their conversations beginning. Unbeknownst to him, he was actually speaking with an undercover female officer attached to a specialized crime unit dedicated to tackling online sexual offenses.

During the court proceedings at Greenock Sheriff Court, McCaig sat with his head bowed, visibly distressed as the details of his conduct were read out. Among the messages, he admitted to being a 38-year-old man who engaged in sexual activities with schoolgirls, describing himself as a 'sad loser.' In one message, sent between April 1 and 30 of the previous year, he stated, “I’m a 38-year-old who gets with schoolgirls — I’m a sad loser hun.” In another, now 39, he expressed a disturbing preference, saying, “I love underage girls that dress like little tarts.”

Further incriminating messages included McCaig revealing that he had a girlfriend at home and another who lived 20 miles away, the latter being 14 years old. He also expressed a desire to be the girl’s first kiss, suggesting they could go for a walk and that people might think he was her father. His eagerness to find more underage girls on Kik was evident when he asked if he could add any of her friends to the platform.

Prosecutor Claire Rowan explained that the investigation was initiated following intelligence about a Kik user going by the name ‘Chrisyboy80.’ The undercover officer disclosed her age as 13 at the start of their conversations and referenced her young age throughout. The police investigation traced McCaig’s online activity to an IP address linked to his Sky Broadband account at his home address. This led to the execution of two search warrants, and police officers raided his property at approximately 8:40 am on May 6 of the previous year.

Following the raid, McCaig was arrested and taken to Greenock police station for questioning. During the interview, he declined legal representation but spoke openly, admitting that he had engaged with someone online who claimed to be a 13-year-old girl for sexual gratification. He claimed that he believed the person was over 18 and that his actions were part of a fantasy role-play known as ‘age play,’ which he reportedly enjoys. Despite his explanations, he did not respond to the formal caution and charge.

McCaig subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of communicating with a female he believed to be 13 for sexual purposes and requesting her to engage in sexual acts. The case was adjourned, with Sheriff Andrew McIntyre postponing sentencing until February 5 to allow for background and risk assessment reports. Defense lawyer Aidan Gallagher reserved his plea in mitigation on behalf of McCaig until that date, leaving the court to consider the full context of his actions before passing judgment.