ALEXANDER ELLIOTT FROM ELGIN CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN GLASGOW GREGGS

In May 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded in Glasgow's George Square involving Alexander Elliott, a 45-year-old man from Elgin, who traveled approximately 200 miles with the intent of meeting a young girl he believed to be just 14 years old. Elliott arrived at a Greggs bakery located in the heart of Glasgow, specifically in George Square, expecting a teenage girl named "Poppy" to show up for what he thought would be a clandestine meeting.

He carried with him a packet of condoms, indicating his intentions and preparedness for an encounter. However, his plans were thwarted when members of the Wolfpack Hunters, a known paedophile hunting group, intervened and confronted him. The group alerted the police, who responded swiftly to the scene.

Following his arrest, Elliott was taken into custody and later appeared before the court. Sheriff Martin Jones ordered that Elliott be placed under supervision for a period of three years and also mandated his inclusion on the sex offenders register. The court proceedings revealed that Elliott had previously admitted to engaging in online communications with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, during which he sent indecent images.

Investigations showed that Elliott had been in contact with the girl, who went by the name "Poppy," through messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Waplog. Despite being warned that he was chatting with an underage individual, Elliott continued to exchange messages, even passing on his phone number. At one point, he expressed admiration by stating, "I think you look pretty," and requested photos from her.

He also claimed that "Poppy" was his girlfriend, instructing her not to tell her mother about their communication. His intention to meet her was made clear when he traveled to Glasgow and arranged to meet at Greggs. When confronted by the Wolfpack Hunters, Elliott was sitting on a bench nearby, and he initially claimed he was there to meet a friend and that he was in love with her.

Later that afternoon, police arrested Elliott. During the search, they found condoms and two mobile phones in his possession, which further implicated him in the case. Prosecutor Richard Hill described the confrontation, stating, "They confronted Elliott in George Square. He said he was there to meet a friend adding he was in love with her."

As the case continues, Sheriff Martin Jones has indicated that bail will be maintained for the time being, but emphasized that all legal options remain open. Elliott is scheduled for sentencing next month, where the full extent of his actions and the appropriate punishment will be determined.