MICHAEL KILBANK FROM FIFE CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE SEXUAL CHAT WITH UNDERAGE GIRL IN KINCARDINE
In December 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Michael Kilbank, a resident of Fife, who was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate online communications with a young girl.The incident came to light after a police operation aimed at uncovering online predatory behavior.
Officers set up a sting, during which an officer posed as a teenage girl on WhatsApp, engaging in conversations with Kilbank, who was 50 years old at the time.
It was revealed that Kilbank, residing on High Street in Fife, had admitted to speaking in a sexual manner to a female believed to be between the ages of 13 and 16.
The police investigation uncovered that between June 21 and June 22, Kilbank repeatedly made sexual comments to the girl at his home, with the intent of either obtaining sexual gratification or causing her humiliation, distress, or alarm.
Despite these admissions, when authorities seized his electronic devices, no indecent images or content were found on them.
Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia informed Dunfermline Sheriff Court that police had received information about an individual known as “Fife Boy,” claiming to be 32 years old, who was involved in a sexual chat with a teenager.
The investigation revealed that there had been discussions about the girl’s age, raising suspicions about the nature of the conversations.
Kilbank was traced to an address in Kincardine, where police officers arrived one morning.
However, his wife informed the officers that he had already left for work.
A search of his electronic devices was conducted, but no explicit content was discovered.
Further questioning took place in Glenrothes, where Kilbank was advised that his devices had been confiscated and that he was under arrest.
During the interview, Kilbank admitted to using WhatsApp to conduct extramarital affairs.
He acknowledged that he was aware he had been speaking to someone under 16 and that he had ceased such communication once he realized it was illegal.
He also confirmed that he used a specific username identified by police and that he had asked the girl what she was wearing.
Additionally, Kilbank admitted to sending an image that confirmed his identity.
His defense solicitor, Chris Sneddon, stated in court that Kilbank accepted responsibility for his actions and was ashamed.
Sneddon emphasized that Kilbank was initially engaging with adult females on the app but had later been involved in conversations with a 13-year-old, who was actually a police officer.
The solicitor highlighted Kilbank’s remorse and acknowledgment of his misconduct.
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio addressed Kilbank directly, noting that he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
The sheriff recognized the significant disruption caused to Kilbank’s family and stressed the seriousness of the offense.
However, he also acknowledged Kilbank’s acceptance of responsibility and remorse.
As a result, the court imposed a community payback order requiring 120 hours of unpaid work and 12 months of supervision.
Kilbank was also placed on the sex offenders’ register and instructed not to have any contact with children other than his own.
