JAMES KELLY FROM COATBRIDGE, FIFE, AND GLASGOW SENTENCED FOR GROOMING PLOT AGAINST TEENAGE GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked communities across Scotland, James Kelly, a 55-year-old man with ties to Coatbridge, Fife, and Glasgow, has been sentenced to prison for attempting to engage in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl. The incident, which unfolded in November 2019, highlights the dangers of online grooming and the efforts of vigilant groups to combat such predatory behavior.

Kelly’s criminal actions began when he engaged in weeks of online conversations with what he believed were two underage girls. One of these girls was just 12 years old, and Kelly’s conversations with her and the other girl, who was 14, were filled with inappropriate messages and explicit content. He had made his intentions clear, especially to the 14-year-old, with whom he arranged to meet at the Showcase leisure park in Coatbridge. His communications included sending a video of himself performing a sex act to the 14-year-old girl, despite her having explicitly stated her age. Kelly also sent suggestive messages to the other girl, asking, “should I strip for you?” and “should I get naked on Snapchat?” His sinister tone was underscored by a message stating, “Maybe one day you can show me,” indicating grooming intentions.

Unbeknownst to Kelly, the person he was communicating with was not a vulnerable child but an adult member of the Wolf Pack Hunters UK, a vigilante group dedicated to catching online predators. The organization’s members adopt the identities of imaginary children online to lure potential offenders and then hand them over to law enforcement authorities. On August 4 of the previous year, several members of this group confronted Kelly in Kirkwood, challenging him about his illegal intentions. A video recording of the confrontation, which has garnered nearly 250,000 views, shows Kelly breaking down in tears after initially attempting to maintain a bravado stance. In the footage, he protests, “I’ve done nothing wrong,” despite the overwhelming evidence against him.

Kelly’s claims of innocence and his assertion that he has “no attraction” to children were met with skepticism during his sentencing at Airdrie Sheriff Court. His defense solicitor explained that Kelly, originally from Glasgow, had since moved to Fife following the discovery of his online activities. The solicitor described Kelly as an isolated individual, estranged from his three adult children and a sister, all of whom have severed contact with him. Kelly’s personal life has been marked by loneliness, especially since his separation from his wife. He expressed remorse, stating that the incident has destroyed his life, and requested a community-based disposal, promising to seek help under supervision. He also claimed that there had never been any prior sexual complaints against him.

However, Sheriff Frank Pieri was unequivocal in his judgment. He acknowledged the seriousness of the charges and the evidence presented. Despite Kelly’s guilty plea, the sheriff sentenced him to 14 months in prison, noting that the original sentence could have been 18 months. Additionally, Kelly will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the community’s need for protection.