SEX OFFENDER SENT EXPLICIT IMAGES TO 'CHILDREN'
A man from Newmilns accused of sending explicit images and engaging in inappropriate online conversations with what he believed were underage girls is awaiting sentencing.Michael Cornish, 54, from Mill Crescent, entered guilty pleas in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court to charges involving communication with minors and requesting sexual images.
Prosecutor Gemma McKechnie explained that the offenses occurred in two separate periods in November 2024.
During the first, Cornish interacted with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl named Millie, initiating sexualized chats, asking for nude photos, and sharing his own explicit images.
Despite being told Millie was 13, Cornish continued to make sexual remarks and asked her to keep their conversations secret from her parents.
He exchanged explicit photos and claimed that any girl could be attractive.
In a different exchange, he admitted to gardening and masturbating, indicating his inappropriate intentions.
The second incident involved another undercover profile, “Hannah,” also operated by an officer, representing a 12-year-old.
Cornish persisted in expressing sexual arousal, offering to send pictures of his genitals, and requesting nude images from the child.
He discussed performing sexual acts on herself and described sexual arousal in detail.
Following the investigations, police arrested Cornish at his house after the conversations were brought to an end.
The investigation uncovered both incidents, leading to multiple charges.
The court heard that sheriff Mactaggart requested background reports and a risk assessment before sentencing.
Cornish was granted bail and will remain on the sex offenders register while awaiting a final decision later this year.
