PAUL BUCKNALL, FORMER POLICE SERGEANT IN GLASGOW, CAUGHT IN UNDERCOVER STING AND DESCRIBED AS HIGH RISK TO CHILDREN
A former police sergeant has been described as posing a high risk of causing 'serious harm to children' after being caught in an undercover operation.Paul Bucknall engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with two undercover police officers who were posing as parents.
His messages included a disturbing question to one officer, asking if she would like to 'share' a 10-year-old girl.
Bucknall, aged 52, pleaded guilty to two charges under the Communications Act.
Glasgow Sheriff Court was told that the offences occurred between September and December 2019 at a police station in Glasgow and at Bucknall's then residence in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire.
The court heard that Bucknall had a 'psychologically detached condition' which contributed to his actions.
He was sentenced to 225 hours of unpaid work, placed under supervision, and registered as a sex offender for two years.
Additionally, he was restricted from accessing children under 16.
The charges stated that Bucknall's messages were 'grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.' Sheriff Allan McKay emphasized the severity of the offences, noting they were repeated over a period and occurred in locations of concern.
The sheriff also highlighted Bucknall's lack of insight into the impact of his actions, referencing a report that described his condition as presenting a high risk of causing serious harm to children and indicating that he must address this risk.
Bucknall will continue to have access to computer equipment, which must be available for inspection upon request.
The court was informed that he had joined the Chat Avenue website under the username 'Purdeman50UK.' During the investigation, Bucknall communicated with an undercover officer named 'Gemma,' who posed as the mother of a 10-year-old girl.
Prosecutor Jennifer Sillars stated, 'Bucknall believed he was contacting the mother of the 10-year-old girl.' She added that he made highly graphic sexual comments, including asserting he had no age limits, and asked if Gemma wanted to 'share' her daughter.
Bucknall used his real name, passing his mobile number to the officer.
Following the covert operation, police raided his home after obtaining a warrant, and he was arrested.
During questioning, Bucknall answered 'no comment.' His defense, represented by Pamela Rodgers, highlighted that Bucknall had experienced personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife, two children, and granddaughter, and that he had resigned from Police Scotland.
Commenting on the case, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Banks of the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit stated, 'We acknowledge the sentence of Paul Bucknall following his abhorrent offending.
He believed the internet would provide anonymity to carry out his crimes undetected.
This was not the case.'
