ANDREW BATE FROM COATBRIDGE PLEADS GUILTY TO ONLINE SEXUAL GROOMING AND CHILD EXPLOITATION CHARGES

Andrew Bate, a resident of Coatbridge, appeared in court on the 29th of April, 2025, facing serious allegations related to online sexual misconduct involving a minor. The charges against him included engaging in sexual communication with a child, which is a grave offense reflecting the disturbing nature of his actions.

According to the court records, Bate was involved in online grooming activities, where he sought to establish inappropriate and sexualized contact with a young person through digital means. The investigation revealed that he requested indecent images from the minor, a violation that underscores the severity of his misconduct.

Further evidence presented in court indicated that Bate had sent explicit images to the child, crossing the boundaries of acceptable online behavior and causing significant concern for the safety and well-being of the victim. In addition to this, he also shared links to adult pornography sites, attempting to lure or entrap the minor into viewing inappropriate material.

During the court proceedings, Andrew Bate did not contest the charges and pled guilty to all allegations. His admission of guilt highlights the gravity of his actions and the importance of ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of digital communication and the need for vigilance in protecting minors from such predatory behavior.