DEAN SCOTT FROM RUTHERGLEN INVOLVED IN SEXUAL OFFENSES WITH TEENS IN GLASGOW

In June 2020, a disturbing case emerged involving Dean Scott, a 21-year-old resident of Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, who engaged in inappropriate and illegal online communications with underage girls in Glasgow. The incidents came to light when Scott was found to have sent a series of explicit messages to two 15-year-old girls and a 17-year-old girl, all of whom were minors.

Scott’s misconduct began when he initially added the first 15-year-old girl on Facebook. Their conversation, which started with casual greetings, quickly escalated into sexually explicit exchanges after they moved their chat to Snapchat in November and December of the previous year. During these exchanges, Scott made a shocking offer, telling the girl he would pay her £100 to perform a sexual act on him. He further sent a follow-up message providing his address, suggesting that he was lying on his bed and inviting her to walk in. Throughout the conversation, Scott persistently asked for sex, displaying a clear intent to exploit the young girl.

Police investigations revealed that Scott’s actions did not stop there. After being arrested and released on bail, he was ordered not to use Snapchat. However, just three weeks later, Scott reinitiated contact with the other two minors, the 15-year-old and the 17-year-old girls, on the same social media platform. During this subsequent contact, Scott sent a sexually explicit image to the older girl and asked the younger girl to show her body, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

Scott’s repeated breaches of bail conditions led to his re-arrest. He admitted to the court that he had violated the restrictions placed upon him. During the hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Sheriff Lindsay Wood addressed Scott directly, indicating that he was giving him “a chance” despite the seriousness of his offenses. Scott was subsequently sentenced to a three-year community payback order, which includes conditions such as no contact with anyone under the age of 17 without social worker approval. Additionally, his internet access and use of web-enabled devices will be closely monitored for the duration of the order. Scott was also placed on the sex offenders register for three years.

During the court proceedings, Scott expressed remorse, shouting from the dock, “I’ve made mistakes” and “I need help,” as he acknowledged his wrongdoing. The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation in digital spaces, especially in communities like Rutherglen and the wider Glasgow area.