ROBERT SHARKEY FROM KILMARNOCK SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND ONLINE PREDATION IN EDINBURGH

In a case that has raised serious concerns about online safety and the exploitation of minors, Robert Sharkey, a 33-year-old man from Crookedholm, Kilmarnock, was sentenced to a total of ten years in prison for multiple serious sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The sentencing took place at the High Court in Edinburgh, where the court heard how Sharkey had engaged in manipulative and predatory behavior through internet chatrooms, targeting vulnerable teenagers.

Judge Lord Reed issued a stark warning about the dangers that online chat platforms pose to young people, emphasizing that these digital spaces are often exploited by older men with malicious intent. During the sentencing, Lord Reed stated, “This case underlines the dangers of internet chatrooms for teenagers. Young people using teenage chatrooms need to be aware that these chatrooms are targeted by older men who are predatory and manipulative. They need to be aware of the risk and take care before revealing personal details or arranging to meet people in that way.”

Sharkey’s criminal behavior was characterized by grooming his teenage victims over the internet. He posed as a teenage boy to lure them into meeting him in person, which he did after sending a photograph of a teenage boy to the girls. The court was told that Sharkey’s actions culminated in indecent assaults on the two girls, which he carried out after meeting them. The High Court also revealed that police investigations uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent photographs on Sharkey’s computer, which he had amassed over time.

When authorities questioned Sharkey, they seized his computer and discovered that he had stored hundreds of indecent images of young girls. Of the 329 images found, 59 were sent to an expert for analysis, who confirmed that 30 of these images depicted girls under the age of 16. Additionally, Sharkey had distributed and shared his collection of child pornography via email, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

Lord Reed described Sharkey as “a man with a perverted sexual interest in children,” noting his previous convictions for assaults. The judge highlighted that Sharkey posed a high risk of reoffending, which influenced the severity of the sentence. To further protect the public, Lord Reed ordered that Sharkey serve an additional four years under supervision, during which he could be returned to prison if necessary.

Earlier in the proceedings, Sharkey admitted to possessing and distributing indecent images of children at his residence in Crookedholm during January and February of the previous year. Based on the gravity of his offenses, Lord Reed sentenced him to eight years for the sexual assaults and an additional two years for the child pornography offenses. Following his conviction, Sharkey was also placed on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and potential risk to the community.