CUMBERNAULD MAN SENT TO PRISON FOR CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION CRIMES
A depraved individual from Cumbernauld was caught by online vigilantes after exchanging sexually explicit messages and images with a decoy posing as a 13-year-old girl.Graham Metcalf, aged 40, is now incarcerated and listed on the sex offenders' register.
He appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court to admit to sending the indecent material on April 23 of the previous year.
The court heard that Metcalf made contact through a fake Facebook profile, set up by members of a child protection group, despite the decoy informing him she was just 13.
In his messages, he spoke in sexually explicit terms and sent images of himself and other indecent photos.
He also provided personal details such as his address and employment information.
Vigilantes tracked him down after he failed to attend court hearings earlier this year, and when they confronted him at his home, he was identified by members of the group.
Metcalf admitted to his actions and called the police.
He was granted bail initially but failed to appear at subsequent hearings.
Since August 14, he has been held in custody.
The sheriff ordered a social work report, electronic tagging, and risk assessments, and he was placed on the sex offenders' register.
His sentencing has been deferred until October 25, and he remains in custody until then.
