KENNETH LONG ARMEDDALE SEX OFFENDER CAUGHT SENDING NAKED PICTURES TO 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IN WEST LOTHIAN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Armadale, West Lothian, Kenneth Long, a registered sex offender, was recently involved in a covert operation that exposed his inappropriate online conduct towards a minor. The incident unfolded in October 2018 when Long was confronted by members of an anti-paedophile group known as the 'Wolf Pack,' who had set out to expose his illicit activities.

According to court proceedings, two members of the group visited Long’s residence in Armadale with the intent of questioning him about his online interactions. The group’s operation was streamed live on Facebook, capturing the tense moments outside Long’s home. Despite the presence of Long and his partner inside, no one answered the door. However, a large crowd gathered outside, shouting slogans such as 'Get him out' and calling him a 'beast,' reflecting the community’s outrage and concern.

Police officers arrived at the scene and took Long into protective custody, primarily for his safety, given the volatile atmosphere. Long, who was 53 years old at the time and currently incarcerated at HMP Addiewell, later pleaded guilty to a grooming charge in connection with the incident.

The court heard that Long had engaged in a series of malicious online exchanges with someone he believed was a 12-year-old boy. The exchanges took place between May 28 and June 24, 2018, during which Long sent explicit images, including a photograph of his genitals, via social media platforms. The purpose of these actions was to seek sexual gratification or to humiliate, distress, or alarm the minor.

Prosecutor Mr. Robertson explained that the operation involved a decoy, an adult male acting as a minor, who created a false profile on the gay dating app ‘BoyAhoy’ under the alias ‘Thom,’ claiming to be a 12-year-old schoolboy. The decoy’s profile picture depicted a young boy holding a dog, and the profile was designed to lure potential predators.

On April 26, 2018, the decoy initiated contact with Long’s profile, which was registered under the name ‘Kenny Long.’ The conversation began with Thom claiming to be a 12-year-old boy, and Long responded by sharing multiple profile pictures, some showing his face and others depicting him in his car and outside his home. Initially, the dialogue appeared non-sexual, but it soon escalated as Long sent explicit images and engaged in sexually charged conversations.

Throughout the exchanges, Long warned Thom to be cautious about who he talked to online and even advised him to delete the app, expressing concern that his mother might be upset with him for using it. He also claimed that there were many bad people on the platform. Thom, the decoy, stated he was bored and used the app to chat with others, prompting Long to ask if Thom wanted to meet up. Long suggested they could go to McDonald’s, offering to pay for the meal, and the conversation shifted to more personal topics.

During the chat, Long expressed interest in sexual activities, revealing that he had engaged in such acts with a female around his age. When Thom asked about his age, Long responded that he was 52. The conversation took a more disturbing turn when Long sent a partially naked photo of himself, exposing his genitals. Thom remarked that he was nearly 13 and noted the significant age difference, approximately 40 years.

Thom then inquired if Long had sent the explicit photo intentionally, to which Long claimed it was a mistake. Despite the explanation, the conversation continued with Thom expressing surprise and embarrassment, and Long attempting to justify his actions by stating he had found similar images online and asking if Thom wanted to see a man’s genitals in person.

Long also provided instructions to the decoy on how to play with himself in bed, further demonstrating the predatory nature of his conduct. The court was told that Long’s actions were serious violations of trust and safety, especially given his status as a registered sex offender.

In light of the evidence, Sheriff Martin Edington ordered Long’s name to be added to the sex offenders’ register. He also called for a comprehensive social work report to assess Long’s background, supervision needs, and potential restrictions on his liberty. The sheriff deferred sentencing for approximately three weeks to allow for this assessment, informing Long that he would remain in custody until the final sentencing hearing scheduled for November 1.

When sentenced, Long faced the possibility of extended registration requirements and restrictions, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the community’s need for protection from such predatory behavior.