GLASGOW MAN RYAN CURRIE ESCAPES CUSTODY AFTER GROOMING 13-YEAR-OLD IN EAST KILBRIDE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Ryan Currie, a 19-year-old from Glasgow, was involved in a grooming incident targeting a vulnerable 13-year-old girl in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire.The incident unfolded in January of the previous year, when Currie used social media platforms, including Facebook and Snapchat, to establish contact with the young girl, who was grieving the recent loss of her mother.
Currie falsely claimed to be 16 years old, despite knowing her true age.
He then proceeded to communicate with her, gradually turning their conversations towards sexual topics.
The girl, feeling isolated and emotionally distressed after her mother's death, was persuaded to meet him in person.
She believed she was meeting someone around her age, which contributed to her decision to accept the invitation.
According to court reports, Currie and the girl traveled together to a Premier Inn hotel located in East Kilbride.
During the journey, their interaction remained relatively casual until they reached the hotel.
Once there, Currie made sexual advances towards her, which she initially tried to resist.
When she became uncomfortable, she decided to leave the room and sought help from the hotel reception staff.
She explained what was happening, prompting the receptionist to ask Currie to leave the premises.
Police were called to the scene, and Currie was detained shortly afterward.
During police questioning, he refused to answer questions but admitted to being a virgin.
He also claimed to have pretended to be 16 to facilitate communication with the girl, fully aware of her age.
The girl later disclosed that she had agreed to meet Currie because she was feeling lonely and overwhelmed by her recent loss.
Prosecutors highlighted the seriousness of the case, emphasizing that Currie posed a significant danger to young women under 16.
The police and prosecution requested the imposition of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) to prevent further contact with minors.
However, during sentencing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Sheriff Allan McKay decided against issuing a SOPO, citing that the high threshold for such an order was not met in this case.
Instead, Currie was sentenced to a three-year supervision order.
As part of his sentence, he will be registered on the sex offenders' register for the duration of his supervision.
Additionally, he was ordered to avoid any contact with women under 16 and was banned from using the internet to prevent further offending.
The court also refused to impose a SOPO, which would have restricted his online activity further.
Depute fiscal Lynn McFauld provided further details, stating, “The complainant was a 13-year-old schoolgirl, and contact was made by the accused via Snapchat and Facebook.
On a bus traveling to the hotel, they engaged in general conversation, which later turned sexual.
He touched her thigh and made inappropriate comments, causing her to feel scared and uncomfortable.
She then left the room and reported the incident to hotel staff.
Police detained Currie, who did not answer questions but claimed to be a virgin.
The girl later explained that she was feeling lonely after her mother’s death and decided to meet him.” Despite the gravity of the case, the court opted for a supervision order rather than custody, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and monitoring.
The decision has sparked concern among community members and advocates for child protection, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by individuals like Currie in the digital age.
