CRAIG EDGELER FROM NEWMAINS AND SHOTTES JAILED IN SHOTTS AND NEWMAINS FOR ONLINE CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In August 2022, a disturbing case unfolded involving Craig Edgeler, a man from Shotts, who was sentenced to three years in prison after being caught in a second online sting targeting child exploitation. The incident was exposed by vigilant paedo hunters operating through a self-styled child protection group called Shatter the Silence, who uncovered Edgeler’s illicit activities at his residence in Suna Path, Shotts.

According to court proceedings at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Edgeler, aged 52, had engaged in sending explicit photographs and indecent messages to an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. However, the individual was actually an adult member of the group, posing as a minor to trap offenders. Edgeler admitted to the charges, which involved communication between September 7 and October 9 of the previous year.

The court heard that Edgeler had recently been released from prison in March 2021 after serving a two-year sentence for similar offences. On that prior occasion, he was also caught in an online sting where a vigilante group pretended to be a young girl, and he was subsequently placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years.

Prosecutor Jennifer Cunningham detailed to the court that Edgeler had befriended the decoy, known as 'Darcy,' and falsely claimed to be 31 years old while she was nearly 13. Their WhatsApp conversations grew increasingly sexual, with Edgeler expressing his desire to kiss her legs and sending her two nude photographs. He also attempted to persuade her to send explicit images of herself and even suggested they meet at a supermarket in Bathgate.

On October 9, the police and members of Shatter the Silence confronted Edgeler at his home. During his arrest, he appeared highly distressed and emotional, repeatedly telling officers, “I’ve been an idiot.” The authorities also contacted the police, who took him into custody. The sheriff, Alasdair MacFadyen, decided to defer sentencing until the following month to allow for a comprehensive social work report and risk assessment. He warned Edgeler that given the short interval between his release from prison and the commission of these offences, an extended sentence or additional supervision might be necessary. Edgeler has remained in custody since his arrest.

In a related case from April 2021, Edgeler, then aged 51 and residing in Newmains, was sentenced to two years in prison after being caught in a paedophile hunter sting. The group, Children’s Warriors, confronted him at his home in June, streaming the encounter live on Facebook. Edgeler had sent sexually explicit messages and images over a three-month period, believing he was communicating with a 12-year-old girl. His previous convictions for sexual offences dating back to 1988 further compounded the severity of his case. The sheriff emphasized that Edgeler’s offending behavior had escalated, and he was assessed as being at high risk of reoffending. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years.

Earlier, in February 2021, Edgeler, then 50, was caught sending vile messages to a girl named 'Tia,' also believed to be 12, via the Meet Me app. Unaware that she was part of the same child protection group, Edgeler continued the conversation, which eventually involved exchanging explicit images and messages. The group confronted him at his residence, again live streaming the event, and police arrested him on-site. During court proceedings, the judge noted the seriousness of his actions, his prior record, and the lack of remorse, leading to a two-year sentence backdated to June 15, 2020, and a ten-year registration on the sex offenders’ register.

Throughout these incidents, Edgeler’s behavior has demonstrated a disturbing pattern of online predatory conduct, with authorities and vigilant groups working tirelessly to expose and apprehend offenders like him. His repeated offenses highlight the ongoing threat posed by individuals who exploit digital platforms to target vulnerable children, and the justice system’s efforts to hold such offenders accountable continue to be a critical part of safeguarding the community.