NEIL MURRAY FROM NEWTOWN ST BOSWELLS CAUGHT IN SEXUAL PREDATOR STING IN SCOTLAND

In a serious case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and the efforts to combat such crimes, Neil Murray, a 32-year-old resident of Newtown St Boswells, has been subjected to legal proceedings after being caught attempting to engage in sexual activities with a decoy posing as a minor. The incident took place in the town of Newtown, and the case was brought before Selkirk Sheriff Court, where Murray faced multiple charges related to his inappropriate communications and intentions.

According to court records, Murray admitted to sending messages of a sexual and indecent nature to an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old girl named Beccy. These messages included explicit content, notably a photograph of his private parts. However, it was revealed during the proceedings that Murray was not communicating with a real minor but rather with a group operating a paedophile hunting initiative. This group had set up fake profiles on social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, to identify and catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.

The court was informed that the incident occurred at a house on Glenburn Avenue in Newtown between April and May of the previous year. Murray pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to send a sexual communication to a girl aged 13. As part of his sentence, he was given a three-year supervision order, which includes community payback, supervision, and conduct requirements. Additionally, his name has been entered onto the sex offenders’ register for the same period, reflecting the seriousness of his actions.

Procurator Fiscal Graham Fraser provided details about the case, explaining that the fake profile used in the sting was created under the alias Beccy, portraying a 13-year-old girl. The profile included a photograph consistent with that age group. Murray initiated contact by sending a Facebook friend request to the decoy, which marked the beginning of their online interaction. Initially, the messages appeared harmless, with Beccy asking about his age, to which Murray responded that he was 30. This prompted the decoy to reveal her supposed age of 13. The exchanges continued via Facebook Messenger, during which Murray claimed to work as a janitor at a local school and asked for her mobile number.

Further communications took place on April 13 via WhatsApp, where Murray introduced himself as Neil from Facebook. During their conversation, he expressed a desire to meet her if he ever visited Hawick, claiming he was single and asking if she was too. The messages grew increasingly inappropriate, with Murray suggesting that he wanted to join her in a bath and wash her back, repeatedly professing his love for her. He also inquired whether she would like a serious boyfriend, despite being reminded that she was only 13.

The court heard that Murray explicitly stated his desire to have sex with her and even asked her to show him how to do it. He then made a “possible arrangement” to meet, referring to it as a date and an opportunity “to go somewhere private to have sex.” During these exchanges, Murray offered to send a photograph of his penis and requested a similar photo from the decoy. He told her that he would make her feel like an adult when they had sex, further emphasizing his intentions. When asked if she wanted to see his penis, the decoy responded that it was up to him.

In total, there were six messages from Murray about having sexual relations, with a similar number from the decoy, who maintained her age of 13 throughout the conversation. Once the police were made aware of the messages, Murray admitted to officers, “I am guilty of doing it.” He also provided a detailed explanation of his actions, and subsequent examination of his phone confirmed the evidence.

In addition to the primary charge, Murray faced three other charges, including arranging to meet Beccy and another underage girl named Kayla for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual activity. These charges were accepted by the Crown as not guilty pleas. The court deferred sentencing until June 3 to allow for the production of a criminal justice social work report and an assessment for a possible restriction-of-liberty order. The duration of his inclusion on the sex offenders’ register will be determined at the sentencing hearing, which underscores the gravity of his misconduct and the ongoing efforts to protect minors from online predators.