ANDREW THOMSON FROM LAURENCEKIRK CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE SEXUAL PLOT IN THE NORTH-EAST

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Thomson, a 60-year-old resident of Laurencekirk, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and sexual communications with an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl online. The incident, which took place over a span of several weeks, highlights the dangers of online predators and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts in protecting vulnerable minors.

According to court reports, Thomson initiated contact with what he believed was a young girl through various online platforms, including Skype and WhatsApp. The police had set up an undercover operation, with officers posing as a 13-year-old girl named Bella, to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors through digital communication.

The first contact was made on October 11, 2019, at approximately 10:27 am, when Thomson sent a casual message in a chatroom saying, “Hiya, wanna chat?” Almost immediately, the undercover officer responded, identifying herself as a 13-year-old girl. Thomson then inquired if she should be at school, indicating a familiarity with the age group he was targeting.

Over the following days, Thomson continued to engage with the undercover officer across multiple platforms, including Skype and WhatsApp. During these exchanges, he made inappropriate comments about his age, admitting that he was “too old” and “old enough to be your dad.” Despite recognizing that he was communicating with a minor, Thomson persisted in asking for photographs and discussing sexual topics. He expressed concern about his own reputation, stating, “I shouldn’t be chatting to you,” but nonetheless continued his conduct.

At one point, Thomson inquired about the girl’s mother, asking if she knew she was chatting with “older guys,” and pressed her about her personal activities, including questions about her attire and bathing habits. The conversation gradually became more explicit, with Thomson asking sexual questions and making suggestive comments. Eventually, he sent a message saying, “I think it’s best if I stop chatting to a 13-year-old. If anyone finds out, I’m the one in trouble because you’re underage. I’m going to stop chatting to you. You’re nice but too young.”

The police, having gathered evidence of Thomson’s conduct, transferred the case from Welsh authorities to the North-East police, who then proceeded with the prosecution. Thomson was charged with attempting to communicate indecently with a child for the purpose of sexual gratification or causing humiliation, distress, or alarm. He pleaded guilty to the charge, which detailed his efforts to engage with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl through sexual written communications.

During the court proceedings, Thomson’s defense lawyer, David Sutherland, requested that sentencing be deferred to allow for the preparation of reports and mitigation. Sheriff Margaret Hodge agreed, postponing the sentencing until April and ordering a social work report and risk assessment to be conducted. Thomson’s address was listed as Adamson Drive, Laurencekirk, at the time of the incident, underscoring the local nature of this disturbing case and the ongoing efforts to ensure justice and community safety.