PHILIP MCGILL CAUGHT IN EDDLSTON ONLINE SEXUAL CONVERSATION WITH POLICE UNDERCOVER OFFICER
| Red Rose Database
Eddleston Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that unfolded in Eddleston, Philip McGill, a 70-year-old resident, was caught engaging in inappropriate online communications with what he believed was a young girl. The incident came to light after McGill participated in a series of chat exchanges on social media, believing he was speaking with a 13-year-old girl named Kelly.
According to reports presented at Selkirk Sheriff Court, McGill engaged in these conversations over three separate occasions, during which he made sexually explicit remarks and inquiries. Despite being repeatedly informed that Kelly was only 13 and a schoolgirl, McGill continued to ask her about her school uniform and underwear, making the exchanges highly inappropriate and concerning. The messages also included details of acts he expressed a desire to carry out with her, further highlighting the severity of his intentions.
Unbeknownst to McGill, he was not communicating with a young girl but with an undercover officer from Police Scotland’s cyber-crime unit. The police had initiated an investigation after receiving a report in January regarding online communications originating from McGill’s mobile phone number. The authorities acted swiftly, obtaining a search warrant for his residence on Bellfield Crescent in Eddleston.
During the search, officers recovered two mobile phones and a laptop. One of the mobile devices was identified as being involved in the offending online conversations, confirming McGill’s participation in the inappropriate exchanges. When questioned, McGill stated that he remembered the username of the girl he believed he was speaking to, Kelly, but could not recall the specifics of their conversations.
In court, McGill pleaded guilty to charges of intentionally sending written communications to a child under 16 and engaging in sexualized conversations via social media. His actions took place from July 5 to July 11 of the previous year, from his home in Eddleston.
As part of his sentencing, McGill was placed under supervision for a period of three years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, his name has been entered onto the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
According to reports presented at Selkirk Sheriff Court, McGill engaged in these conversations over three separate occasions, during which he made sexually explicit remarks and inquiries. Despite being repeatedly informed that Kelly was only 13 and a schoolgirl, McGill continued to ask her about her school uniform and underwear, making the exchanges highly inappropriate and concerning. The messages also included details of acts he expressed a desire to carry out with her, further highlighting the severity of his intentions.
Unbeknownst to McGill, he was not communicating with a young girl but with an undercover officer from Police Scotland’s cyber-crime unit. The police had initiated an investigation after receiving a report in January regarding online communications originating from McGill’s mobile phone number. The authorities acted swiftly, obtaining a search warrant for his residence on Bellfield Crescent in Eddleston.
During the search, officers recovered two mobile phones and a laptop. One of the mobile devices was identified as being involved in the offending online conversations, confirming McGill’s participation in the inappropriate exchanges. When questioned, McGill stated that he remembered the username of the girl he believed he was speaking to, Kelly, but could not recall the specifics of their conversations.
In court, McGill pleaded guilty to charges of intentionally sending written communications to a child under 16 and engaging in sexualized conversations via social media. His actions took place from July 5 to July 11 of the previous year, from his home in Eddleston.
As part of his sentencing, McGill was placed under supervision for a period of three years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, his name has been entered onto the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.