MICHAEL MCLEAN ARRESTED IN STIRLING PAEDOPHILE STING INCIDENT
In a disturbing development in Stirling, a man identified as Michael McLean, also known by the alias Ian McLean Smith, has become the focus of serious legal proceedings following an alleged involvement in a paedophile sting operation at Stirling train station.The incident unfolded on Tuesday night when vigilante groups, operating through social media platforms, confronted McLean during a live broadcast on TikTok.
The confrontation drew the attention of local authorities, prompting police officers to respond swiftly to the scene.
According to reports, the 78-year-old man was detained by law enforcement officers at the Chandlers Court area of Stirling around 6 pm on the evening of February 11, 2025.
Following his arrest, McLean was taken into custody and subsequently charged with offenses related to indecent online communications.
The police confirmed that the charges stem from allegations that he engaged in inappropriate and indecent online interactions, which prompted the intervention of law enforcement.
McLean's background includes work as a DJ for Quality FM, a local radio station, and a history as a church organist at Castlehead Church in Paisley.
His professional and personal life has now been overshadowed by these serious allegations.
Additionally, he has been suspended from his position at Stranraer FC, a football club that issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to taking the matter seriously.
The club announced that McLean has been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation and stated that they would not be providing further comments at this time.
McLean is scheduled to appear before Stirling sheriff court at a later date to face the charges.
The case has garnered significant attention within the local community and beyond, raising concerns about online safety and the vigilance of community members in protecting vulnerable individuals.
The police continue their investigation into the matter, and further updates are expected as the legal process unfolds.
—————————————————————————————————— UPDATE - 22-11-2025 McLean, of Marywood Square, Glasgow, pleaded guilty at Stirling Sheriff Court to sending sexual communications to someone he believed to be a child.
He sent sexual messages online to the decoy over a full month, between January 7 and February 7, chatting about sexual practices, instructing him how to masturbate, and discussing showing him how to carry out sexual acts once he turned 16.
McLean was sentenced to two years of social work supervision and placement on the sex offenders’ register for the same period, with conditions limiting his contact with children under 16 and regulating his internet access.
He left court without commenting.
