PAISLEY MAN STEPHEN MCALONEY CAUGHT SENDING INDECENT IMAGES TO UNDERCOVER COP IN SCOTLAND
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Paisley, Stephen McAloney, aged 47, was caught engaging in inappropriate online conduct with an undercover police officer.The incident unfolded after authorities received intelligence about his online activities involving conversations with individuals he believed to be minors.
According to the prosecution, police first became aware of McAloney’s online presence on May 11, 2020, when they received information indicating that a Kik user under the pseudonym PaisleyGuy1974 was involved in conversations with what appeared to be 14-year-olds.
The investigation revealed that McAloney was actively communicating with a decoy, who was actually an undercover officer operating under the alias Daisy.
On July 1, 2020, the police created an undercover account with the display name Daisy, noting that while the profile name on Kik could not be altered, the display name could be changed.
The officer identified McAloney as the individual behind the PaisleyGuy1974 account, which he later changed to Stephen on one occasion.
From that point onward, chat logs showed that the decoy, posing as a 14-year-old girl, consistently stated her age, and McAloney responded by claiming he was 45 and from Scotland.
Despite being aware of Daisy’s age, McAloney continued engaging in conversations that quickly turned inappropriate.
Early in their exchanges, he sent a picture of his arm in a sling, which revealed tribal tattoos through a small gap.
Throughout the chat, he repeatedly referred to Daisy as Miss Mayhem and complimented her appearance, indicating a clear interest in her.
On July 10, McAloney made a particularly disturbing comment, asking Daisy why she did not have a boyfriend and calling her pretty.
The conversation then escalated as he sent explicit images, including three photographs of his penis and a video of himself pleasuring himself.
Daisy responded with surprise and curiosity, asking if all penises were that large.
McAloney continued to send explicit content, including a fourth image and a video of himself masturbating.
He later expressed regret, stating, “I shouldn’t have sent that as it was wrong of me, I just got excited,” and acknowledged that sharing such images was “too risky.” Following these exchanges, there was a lull in communication, with no further sexual content sent for several days.
However, the damage was done.
On December 18, police officers executed a search warrant at McAloney’s residence on Hillman Road, Paisley, while his wife was present.
During the raid, officers arrested him and transported him to Greenock police station for questioning.
During the interview, McAloney admitted to having engaged in conversations with Daisy and confirmed that he had sent indecent images and videos of himself masturbating.
His candidness was noted by the authorities, and he did not deny the allegations.
Legal proceedings took place at Paisley Sheriff Court, where the prosecution, led by Procurator Fiscal David McDonald, outlined the details of the case.
The court was informed that McAloney had been placed on the Sex Offender’s Register and was subject to a three-year supervision order, which included a conduct requirement to participate in the ‘Moving Forward Making Changes Programme’ and to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work within 12 months.
Defense solicitor Gemma Elder requested that mitigation be reserved until reports, including a criminal justice social work report and a risk assessment, could be prepared.
Sheriff Brian Mohan acknowledged the seriousness of the case, stating, “This is a concerning matter you pled guilty too.” As a result, McAloney’s sentencing was deferred until next month, pending the completion of the reports.
He remains on the Sex Offender’s Register and faces further legal action at a future court hearing, where the full extent of his punishment will be determined.
