MARTIN BRIDGE CAUGHT IN ABERDEEN SEX OFFENDER STING

In a serious case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Martin Bridge, aged 45, was exposed as a serial sex offender during a police sting operation in Aberdeen. The incident was brought to light in Wick Sheriff Court, where it was revealed that Bridge had been engaging in online communications with what he believed were underage girls, specifically targeting minors as young as 12 years old.

According to court proceedings, Bridge admitted to sending explicit and sexualized messages via his Snapchat profile between November 2022 and February 2023. He believed that the recipients of his messages were a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl, but in reality, undercover police officers had responded to his messages and were monitoring his online activity. The police had set up the operation to catch individuals attempting to exploit minors online.

Prosecutor Grant McLennan detailed the disturbing nature of the messages. Over several days, Bridge described sexual acts and encouraged the 13-year-old girl to send nude images of herself, even sharing videos depicting sexual acts involving a male. In one exchange, Bridge expressed interest in engaging in sexual activities, stating he had a hot tub at his home in Scrabster, which prompted police to execute a search warrant at that address. His wife was present when officers arrived, but Bridge was not at home as he was working at the Dounreay nuclear site at the time.

Police officers from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary were called to assist in locating and arresting Bridge on suspicion of communicating indecently with a child. Within minutes, officers apprehended him and seized electronic devices. When asked to provide passwords and access codes for his devices, Bridge refused, choosing to give no comment during police interviews. Following his arrest, he was charged with multiple offenses related to his online conduct.

During the court hearing, Sheriff Neil Wilson ordered a background report to be prepared before sentencing. The sheriff described the offenses as “very serious indeed” and warned Bridge that the court would consider all sentencing options available. As a precaution, Bridge was temporarily placed on the Sex Offender’s Register, with the duration to be determined at a future court date scheduled for September 3.

In a subsequent sentencing session, Sheriff Neil Wilson imposed a three-year Community Payback Order on Martin Bridge after he pleaded guilty to four charges related to the online sexual communications. The court’s decision included a supervision requirement, a conduct requirement, and a mandate for 300 hours of unpaid community work within 18 months. The court emphasized that this order was an alternative to immediate imprisonment, but warned that any breach could result in a return to custody.

During the sentencing, Sheriff Wilson highlighted the gravity of Bridge’s actions, noting that the charges involved a course of conduct over nearly two months with two individuals he believed to be minors. The sheriff acknowledged that Bridge’s guilty plea, made under accelerated procedures, was a mitigating factor, but stressed that the conduct was deeply concerning and had serious repercussions, including the end of his marriage and career, and potential damage to his relationship with his children.

Despite the severity of the case, the sheriff recognized that Bridge had shown genuine remorse and had taken steps toward rehabilitation, including engaging in therapy and participating in the Stop It Now programme. Balancing punishment with the possibility of reform, the court decided that a custodial sentence was not necessary at this stage. Instead, the court imposed the Community Payback Order, which requires him to undertake 300 hours of unpaid work and adhere to strict monitoring of his online activity.

Furthermore, the court confirmed that the offenses involved the notification provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, meaning Bridge will be subject to certain legal restrictions and reporting requirements for a period of three years. The judge made it clear that any breach of the conditions could lead to a return to prison, emphasizing the seriousness with which the court views such offenses in Aberdeen and across Scotland.