BRIAN REID FROM LENNOXTOWN CAUGHT ONLINE CONTACTING CHILDREN IN EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

In July 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Brian Reid, a resident of Lennoxtown, who was found to have engaged in illicit online communications with individuals he believed to be underage girls. The investigation was initiated after Reid was caught by a vigilant paedophile hunting group, which had set up decoys to identify and confront individuals attempting to contact minors over the internet.

Reid, aged 57, used the Facebook account of his brother-in-law, John Todd, to carry out these inappropriate interactions. The group traced the activity back to Reid and subsequently organized a live-streamed confrontation that was viewed by approximately 6,000 people. During this operation, Reid was confronted with evidence of his communications, which included messages with what he thought were two 14-year-old girls. The group also uncovered indecent images on Reid’s devices, with authorities later confirming the presence of over 400 disturbing images depicting children on his two laptops.

It was revealed during the investigation that Reid had made a bet with one of the decoys, claiming that she would enjoy kissing him, and that the winner could choose a day out of their choice. He also warned her not to tell her mother about their interactions. The group’s efforts led to Reid’s arrest, and he was taken into custody along with his brother-in-law, John Todd. However, Reid later confessed that he had acted alone in these illicit activities, explicitly stating, “It’s all me, John’s got nothing to do with it.”

Following Reid’s arrest, John Todd, who was also detained, was released after being questioned. Unfortunately, the repercussions of Reid’s actions extended beyond legal consequences. Upon returning home, John Todd discovered the word “paedo” spray-painted on his house in Lennoxtown, East Dunbartonshire. This act of vandalism was a direct result of the community’s outrage over Reid’s vile conduct. Todd expressed that he felt compelled to move out of his residence due to the distress caused by the incident.

The case was brought before Glasgow Sheriff Court, where Reid pleaded guilty to charges of communicating with what he believed to be two underage girls and possessing indecent images of children. Prosecutor Mhairi Alexander detailed the extent of Reid’s misconduct, emphasizing the severity of the evidence against him. The court was informed that the investigation uncovered more than 400 indecent images, which further underscored the gravity of his crimes.

Judge Johanna Johnston QC decided to defer sentencing to allow for comprehensive reports to be prepared, indicating that the case’s full implications are still being assessed. The community of Lennoxtown and the wider East Dunbartonshire area remain deeply affected by this disturbing case, which highlights the ongoing threat posed by online predators and the importance of vigilant community efforts to protect vulnerable children.