DAVE ROSSETTER FROM GRANGEMOUTH SHAMES SCOTLAND'S OUTDOOR TRAINING CENTRE IN AVIEMORE

In a shocking revelation that has rocked the outdoor education community in Scotland, Dave Rossetter, a prominent figure associated with the national outdoor training centre, has been exposed as a predatory offender involved in disturbing online misconduct. Rossetter, aged 47 and known for his role at sportscotland's Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore in Inverness-shire, was unmasked by vigilant paedophile hunters as a man engaging in illicit communications with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

Rossetter, a married father, had built a reputation as a dedicated instructor, teaching thousands of children how to canoe and paddleboard. His contributions extended beyond the local community, as he appeared on the BBC’s Adventure Show and was even nominated for a lifetime achievement award for his work in training individuals with disabilities. His public image was that of a committed sports coach and outdoor enthusiast, often sharing his children’s coaching activities on social media and participating in Duke of Edinburgh award schemes. Additionally, he was featured in a BBC segment on white water kayaking, further cementing his status as a respected figure in outdoor sports.

However, beneath this veneer of professionalism, Rossetter’s life was unraveling following his arrest and subsequent court proceedings. The investigation was initiated after the vigilante group Justice4Kids alerted police authorities to his online activities. Between November 2019 and January 2020, Rossetter engaged in conversations with a decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl on an anonymous chat platform. The decoy, operating under the profile name 'Turnaround 31' and using the alias UKOlderGuy, was set up specifically to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors.

Prosecutors detailed how Rossetter initially made contact with the decoy, who immediately disclosed her age. Despite this, Rossetter responded by revealing his own age of 46 and proceeded to ask if she enjoyed sex chat, providing his mobile number and requesting her to add him on WhatsApp. Soon after, he sent a message using his real name and photograph, saying, “Hey there, Dave here.”

The conversation quickly turned sexual, with Rossetter asking the decoy what turned her on and making explicit references to her age. He inquired if she would like to see him naked and suggested a video call, instructing her to turn off the sound so she could watch him perform a sex act. He also asked if she had ever 'touched her flower,' a graphic euphemism, and requested her to go on webcam again so he could perform a sexual act while she watched. When she questioned his motives, he expressed a desire to see her reaction.

Further interactions occurred less than two months later on another platform, ChatIW, where the decoy recognized Rossetter from their previous contact. She initiated the conversation by stating her age, to which Rossetter responded with a desire for sexting and again asked her to send explicit images and go on webcam. The decoy refused, and the conversations were documented and reported to Greater Manchester Police, with screenshots and video clips of Rossetter’s explicit messages.

Police officers from Police Scotland arrested Rossetter at his workplace, the Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore, at 1:26 am on February 21, 2020. During questioning, he chose to remain silent, replying only with “no comment.” The investigation confirmed that Rossetter had been communicating with the decoy with the intent of engaging in sexual activity, which he believed was with a minor.

Rossetter, who resides in Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, but was found living in homeless accommodation at the time of his arrest, pleaded guilty to attempting to communicate sexually with a minor for gratification or to humiliate or distress her. His court appearance was marked by the devastating personal consequences he faced: he had lost his job, his home, his marriage of 26 years, and contact with his children.

During the sentencing hearing, his solicitor, Stan Quirk, argued that incarceration was unnecessary given the circumstances. Nonetheless, Sheriff Derek Hamilton sentenced Rossetter to 200 hours of unpaid community service, three years of supervised probation, and mandatory participation in the Scottish Government’s “Moving Forward, Making Changes” sex offenders’ rehabilitation program. Additionally, Rossetter was ordered to register as a sex offender and was to be reported to Scottish ministers for inclusion on the list of individuals deemed unsuitable to work with children or vulnerable adults.

Sheriff Hamilton emphasized the gravity of the offence, stating, “The charge speaks for itself,” underscoring the serious breach of trust and the profound impact on the victims and the community.