NEIL ROSS FROM DUNDEE AND GLASGOW SENTENCED FOR CYBERSEX OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a landmark case that has garnered significant attention across Scotland, Neil Ross, a man with connections to both Dundee and Glasgow, has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to engaging in 'cybersex' with a young girl aged just 13. This case is believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland, highlighting the evolving nature of online sexual offenses and the legal system's response to such crimes.

Ross, aged 31, who was previously residing in Dundee but has since moved to Dennistoun in Glasgow, appeared before Alloa Sheriff Court to face charges related to lewd and libidinous behavior. The court was informed that Ross had used the internet to establish a relationship with the young girl, who was from Clackmannanshire. He met her through an online chat room, where he falsely presented himself as a 19-year-old. The relationship was maintained via a live webcam link, allowing them to communicate visually in real-time.

During the proceedings, Sheriff David Mackie emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating that Ross posed a significant risk to children due to the nature of his actions and the potential for reoffending. The sheriff explained that Ross's guilty plea and the gravity of the case warranted a custodial sentence, and he expressed concern that Ross might not fully grasp the severity of his misconduct. As part of the sentencing, Ross was also placed on the sex offenders' register and warned that if he committed any further offenses after his release, he could be recalled to prison and serve an additional five years under the new 'extended sentencing' regulations.

It was noted that Ross's case is believed to be the first in Scotland involving a sexual offense committed against a victim in a different room, facilitated entirely through online communication. The court heard that Ross had asked the girl to meet him in Stirling, although she later admitted she was aware she was going to meet a man, despite still believing he was 19. The case was described as fitting the 'classic pattern' of grooming, where a paedophile prepares or manipulates a child for sexual activity.

Detective Sergeant David Nolan, who works with the computer crime unit of Central Scotland Police, provided insight into the dangers of online grooming. He explained that while the internet offers many positive opportunities for children to connect with friends and family via live webcams, it also harbors a darker side. Paedophiles often log into chatrooms pretending to be children or young teenagers, sometimes in their 30s or 40s, with the intent of grooming young victims and arranging meetings.

Supporters of tougher sentencing, including Sandra Brown from the Moira Anderson Foundation, expressed approval of the court's decision. She highlighted the manipulative nature of Ross's actions, stating, 'Ross clearly set out to dupe this child.' Brown called for stronger penalties and longer jail terms for offenders involved in online grooming, describing the behavior as a 'horrendous pattern' that must be met with severe consequences to protect vulnerable children.