GARY SMITH EX-LOYALIST TERROR CHIEF FROM KILMARNOCK AND KIRKINTILLOCH CAUGHT IN PAEDOPHILE SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Kilmarnock and Kirkintilloch, a man once known for his violent past as a Loyalist terror leader has been exposed for engaging in online predatory behavior. Gary Smith, aged 59, who previously held a prominent position within the Loyalist paramilitary group, was caught attempting to groom a minor through digital communications, believing he was interacting with a young boy as young as 12 years old.

According to court reports, Smith had been sending explicit messages, photographs, and making inappropriate suggestions to what he thought was a juvenile. In reality, these online profiles were operated by undercover police officers conducting an investigation into online child exploitation. The incident took place over a period spanning September and October 2021, at Smith’s former residence in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.

Authorities acted swiftly after gathering sufficient evidence. During a raid on his property, law enforcement officers seized electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones, which were later examined for incriminating material. Smith was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts under the Sexual Offences Act.

At his hearing before Sheriff Alistair Watson, Smith pleaded guilty to the charges. The court was informed that he had engaged in these illicit activities at his Kilmarnock home over several weeks. Recognizing the severity of the case, the sheriff considered imposing a prison sentence but ultimately decided that community supervision would serve the public interest better. Sheriff Watson stated, “I had considered sending you to prison for the indictment matters but will step back as the public protection would be better served with you monitored in the community.”

As part of his sentence, Smith was ordered to serve three years under supervision and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register. He is also subject to strict conditions, including restrictions on internet use—he must not have access to internet-enabled devices without a detailed browsing history, is prohibited from using aliases or file-shredding software, and must not share passwords. Additionally, he is barred from having any contact with individuals under the age of 16 unless unavoidable.

Further complicating his legal issues, Smith, who now resides in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, admitted to breaching bail conditions that prohibited him from contacting or attempting to contact his partner. The court deferred sentencing on this matter until November.

Smith’s background is marred by a history of involvement in paramilitary violence. He was a member of Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair’s C Company, a faction linked to numerous sectarian murders during the Troubles. In 1995, Smith was sentenced to 16 years in prison for conspiracy to murder and firearms possession but was released after serving four years as part of the Good Friday Agreement. His criminal record also includes two other convictions related to terrorist offences, underscoring a long history of violence and extremism.