LINWOOD PAEDOPHILE AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SENDING EXPLICIT IMAGES TO UNDERCOVER COP
A Linwood paedophile who told a “12-year-old girl” he loved her and sent her indecent images has avoided a jail sentence.Patterson, who was 27 at the time of the vile offence, sent messages of a sexual nature to an undercover cop acting as a 12-year-old girl called Layla between April 25, 2024, and June 6, 2024.
He pretended to be 18.
During this six-week period, Patterson sent her pictures of his penis, repeatedly asked her for pictures, called her “super sexy,” and professed his love.
He also sent a close-up picture of his penis with a message saying, “did you like that?
I like looking at you, it’s like God gave me you to look after.
I love you.” Court proceedings revealed that the defendant, of Cowal Drive, sent a message on May 1, 2024, stating “I bet you look nice in your school uniform” and shared further explicit messages and images, including a photo of his penis on May 8, 2024, with a message of love.
Despite the sexual misconduct, Patterson avoided a custodial sentence after a background report outlined his disabilities, both physical and psychological, and suggested an alternative form of punishment.
Instead, Sheriff Clare Arias ordered him to carry out 224 hours of unpaid work within a year, placed him under supervision for three years, and mandated participation in the 'Moving Forward to Change' programme, targeting behavioral change.
Patterson was also registered as a sex offender for three years.
