MICHAEL ENNIS FROM GALASHIELS CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET YOUNG GIRL IN EDINBURGH

A man identified as Michael Ennis, hailing from Galashiels, has been sentenced to a year in prison after attempting to engage in a sexual encounter with a young girl he believed to be only 13 years old. The incident unfolded after Ennis initiated contact with the girl through social media platforms, sending her a series of disturbing and explicit messages.

Ennis, aged 65, targeted a social media profile he thought belonged to a girl named Poppy. Over a period, he exchanged numerous inappropriate messages, asking her about her sexual preferences and repeatedly requesting nude photographs. Among the messages he sent were disturbing statements such as, “I wish you were here now so we can have sex now,” and “I know you’re underage but it sounds good to have sex with you.”

His intentions were clear: he planned to travel from his home in Galashiels to Edinburgh with the aim of meeting the girl in person. The plan was set, and he was prepared to carry it out. However, his plans were thwarted when he was confronted by members of the Online Child Safety Team, a paedophile hunter group that had set up an online sting operation.

The confrontation took place outside Waverley train station in Edinburgh in November 2022. The group had arranged the sting to catch individuals attempting to meet minors for sexual purposes. When Ennis arrived at the designated location, instead of meeting the girl, he was met by the vigilante group. The incident was live-streamed on Facebook, attracting thousands of viewers and raising awareness about online child safety.

During the encounter, Ennis attempted to feign illness, lying on the ground and pretending to be unconscious in a bid to avoid arrest. His act was unsuccessful, and police officers arrived shortly thereafter, taking him into custody. The entire event was captured on video, highlighting the dangers of online predators and the importance of vigilant community efforts.

Ennis appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on November 27, 2022, where he pleaded guilty to charges of intentionally sending indecent messages to someone he believed to be a minor and attempting to meet with a child for sexual purposes. The court heard that he had sent numerous messages via Facebook and WhatsApp, asking the girl about her sexual preferences and requesting explicit images.

In addition to his jail sentence, Ennis was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. His actions have drawn widespread condemnation, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance and community involvement in protecting minors from online predators.