AYR MAN WHO SENT SEXUAL TEXTS TO 'TEEN GIRL' DODGES JAIL
A man with predatory tendencies, who was duped into sending obscene messages to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl, has avoided imprisonment.Kevan Walters admitted to sending a series of sexual messages to an individual he thought was a minor aged between 13 and 16.
In reality, he was communicating with an adult woman participating in a voluntary paedophile hunting group.
The 47-year-old pleaded guilty to sending these messages from his home on Russell Drive in Ayr between December 8, 2024, and January 13, 2025, with the intent of gaining sexual satisfaction or causing humiliation, distress, or fear to the recipient.
He used social media platforms to send her messages discussing sexual topics and encouraged her to partake in sexual acts.
Sentencing was postponed to allow for a social work report and a risk assessment, following his guilty plea at Ayr Sheriff Court on Friday, May 8.
He was granted bail under special conditions while awaiting sentencing.
When he appeared again on Thursday, June 18, the Procurator Fiscal’s deputy explained: "On December 15, 2024, a member of a child protection team involved in decoy operations contacted a witness.
"The suspect then made contact, greeting with a 'hi,' and they exchanged casual conversation.
He sent an image of a Christmas card and four images showing tattoos on his torso and lower body.
"The conversation then turned more sexual, discussing when he lost his virginity and having sex in the woods." It was also revealed that Walters claimed he was "just trying to help" and said, "you need to know." The court was told that on January 14 at around 4 pm, team members from the Scottish Child Protection Service visited his home but received no response.
Police were contacted at approximately 8:45 pm, and officers forcibly entered the residence using a ram.
They found Walters in his bedroom with an open bottle of Jack Daniels and some ibuprofen.
He did not respond to arrest procedures but was taken into custody.
Items including a black Samsung phone and an Xbox were seized.
He was transported to Crosshouse Hospital and then to Ayr Police Station for processing.
During questioning, officers asked if he was "sexually attracted to children" and "do you consider yourself a paedophile?" He insisted he was not, replying that he "never encouraged" her but "told her how to do it," acknowledging that it was wrong.
Walters stated he understood that he was under arrest.
After being cautioned and charged, he remained silent.
Defense lawyer Colin McLaughlin explained: "He had a job and limited interaction with the courts previously.
He lost his employment and started to experience mental health issues and depression.
He isolated himself from positive influences before reaching out online.
"In these cases, the individuals involved often came to him, and he locked himself in his room during the encounters, which lasted about five hours.
This was not about resolving anything but about publicizing his situation.
"He had to move to a new address after his personal details were published online.
"He is capable of completing unpaid work and has done so in the past.
While the seriousness of the offense presents challenges, he is willing to undertake community service.
"I am concerned about imposing a restriction of liberty, given his background and the offense." Sheriff Michael Meehan said: "Having considered the facts, it’s clear that custody is warranted.
However, I will consider alternative sentences." He sentenced Walters to a community payback order with two years of supervision by social services, along with 120 hours of unpaid work to be completed within nine months.
Additionally, Walters was ordered to stay at his home from 7 pm to 7 am for four months and was given a further order restricting contact with minors and his internet use.
He will remain on the sex offenders register for five years.
