EX DUNDEE WRESTLING REF AVOIDS JAIL AFTER ONLINE PAEDOPHILE HUNT
A former Dundee wrestling referee who sent disturbing messages to decoys he believed were underage girls has escaped a prison sentence.John Gerrie, aged 54, used Facebook to attempt communication with five different individuals he thought were children; one claimed to be 10 years old.
In reality, he was chatting with adult decoys operated by volunteer groups like Groom Resisters Scotland, who recorded their confrontation with him at his home.
Gerrie admitted to attempting to communicate indecently with persons he believed were minors, with charges covering the period from May to June 2018.
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael stated: “You pleaded guilty to committing a series of significant sexual offences directed towards people you believed were young people.
The nature of these offences means a custodial sentence is something I have to consider.
However, I must also consider the social work report that states although you do not have a learning difficulty, you are considered to be a vulnerable person.
You have no previous convictions and have not offended since 2018.
In the particular circumstances of this case, I can go down a non-custodial route.” The sheriff sentenced Gerrie to supervision for two years and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register for the same period, directing him to engage with the Moving Forward Making Changes programme and restricting his internet access and contact with children.
Gerrie had exchanged explicit messages on Facebook, including suggestive references to feeling and touching minors, and expressed love and desire to be their boyfriend.
The messages were notably detailed and sexual in nature, involving specific age references and sexual acts, despite Gerrie believing he was talking to minors.
The messages also included explicit discussions about making love and keeping their communication secret.
The covert recordings made by volunteers led to his conviction, highlighting his attempts to engage sexually with minors online.
Gerrie’s solicitor highlighted his social isolation and lack of recent offending, which influenced the decision to avoid custodial punishment.
Overall, Gerrie was deemed a vulnerable individual with a history of offending, but his sentence focused on supervision, mandatory treatment, and legal restrictions to mitigate future risk.
