KILWINNING PAEDOPHILE PHILIP PENDERS AVOIDS PRISON AFTER ONLINE GROOMING SCHEME REVEALED

In August 2018, a disturbing case involving a 58-year-old man from Kilwinning, named Philip Penders, unfolded as he was caught attempting to groom minors through online communications. The incident was brought to light when Penders was confronted by members of a vigilant group known as Child Protectors Scotland (CPS), who had set up fake profiles to expose individuals engaging in predatory behavior.

According to reports, Penders believed he was communicating with two teenage girls, both aged 14, when he engaged in lewd and inappropriate exchanges. The group had created profiles, including one named Sam, to lure potential offenders. Penders initiated contact with the profile of Sam on December 12 of the previous year, sending flirtatious messages and expressing a desire to meet her. Unbeknownst to him, the profile was operated by a 49-year-old CPS member, who was monitoring the conversation.

During their exchanges, Penders made it clear that he was interested in receiving topless photographs from the girl, promising to top-up her mobile phone credit in return. When she refused, he responded with anger and sent graphic images of female anatomy accompanied by vulgar messages. The predator's behavior escalated when he was approached by another CPS member, a 27-year-old man, who had set up a similar profile named Amy. Penders continued his pursuit, requesting topless images from this profile as well, believing the individual was a 14-year-old girl.

On December 29, the two CPS members, posing as teenagers, confronted Penders at his residence on Muirside Court in Kilwinning. The encounter was live-streamed on Facebook, capturing the moment of confrontation. Following this, Penders was arrested by police officers. During police interviews, Penders admitted to communicating with the profiles but claimed he did not believe they were actually minors, asserting that he thought they were lying about their ages.

He appeared before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, where he pled guilty to two charges related to online grooming and indecent communication. His case was deferred for reports, and he returned to court on August 14 to hear his sentence. The court was informed that Penders would be subject to a Community Payback Order, which includes supervision for three years, mandatory attendance at a sex offenders' program, and strict conditions regarding his internet use. These conditions prohibit him from deleting his online history and require him to provide police with all passwords related to his online accounts.

Additionally, Penders was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of three years. The court's decision reflects the serious nature of his offenses, although he was not sentenced to prison. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of groups like CPS to combat online predation and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation. The community in Kilwinning remains vigilant, and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of monitoring online activity to prevent similar incidents in the future.