INVERNESS MAN STEVEN WILLIAMS CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE HUNTER STING SCHEME
In November 2019, Steven Williams, a 52-year-old resident of Galloway Drive in Inverness, narrowly avoided a prison sentence after being caught in a sting operation conducted by a vigilante group known as Guardians of the North.Williams believed he was engaging in explicit conversations with a 13-year-old girl via Facebook Messenger, but in reality, he was communicating with an adult woman who was part of the group, posing as a minor to expose potential offenders.
Williams appeared before Inverness Sheriff Court to face charges of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor through online messaging.
He admitted to the court that he had been communicating with someone he believed was underage, with the intent of seeking sexual gratification.
The court was informed that the exchanges took place over a period from July to November of the previous year.
According to the prosecution, represented by depute fiscal David Morton, the woman, who was acting as part of the vigilante operation, maintained almost daily contact with Williams before ceasing communication and passing the evidence to police authorities.
The court heard that the messages started with Williams requesting a photograph of the girl’s nightie and her underwear.
He then asked for a picture of her naked body, although she did not send such an image.
As the exchanges continued, the messages grew increasingly explicit.
Williams reportedly told the supposed girl that he “couldn’t wait to hold and touch her,” indicating a clear intent to pursue sexual contact.
On one occasion, he even sent a diagram that appeared to depict a female reproductive organ, further illustrating the disturbing nature of his messages.
The last message from Williams was received on November 20, when he responded to a message from the woman, claiming she was “off school ‘cause I slept in.” His reply was casual, saying, “Nice 1.
A better day for ya than horrid school.” Following this, police were alerted, leading to Williams’s immediate arrest.
Initially, the court deferred sentencing last month to allow for the preparation of background reports.
Yesterday, Williams was handed a sentence of three years’ supervision, along with an order to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work.
Social workers involved in the case recommended a community-based punishment rather than imprisonment.
Additionally, Williams will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of three years, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the need for ongoing monitoring.
