SCOTT DUNCAN'S SHAMEFUL GROOMING SCHEME IN SCONE: POLICE STING REVEALS DISTURBING SEXUAL PREDATION

In April 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving Scott Duncan, a 28-year-old resident of Fingask Court, Scone, who was caught in a police sting operation for engaging in a series of sexually explicit communications with a minor. Duncan’s actions spanned over a four-week period, during which he believed he was corresponding with a 14-year-old girl, but in reality, he was communicating with an undercover police officer.

According to court records, Duncan engaged in numerous graphic and inappropriate conversations with the officer, who had created a fake profile under the name ‘Lalalara 14’ on the instant messaging platform Kik. The profile used a photograph of a teenage girl to appear authentic. Duncan initially claimed to be 27 years old and sent a selfie to the profile, which he believed belonged to the minor. The conversations quickly turned sexualized, with Duncan expressing disdain for his spontaneous erections and sending explicit photographs, including a picture of his erect penis and a video of himself masturbating. He also sent a short video of a male masturbating, further escalating the inappropriate nature of their exchanges.

Throughout the interaction, Duncan asked the undercover officer, posing as a 14-year-old girl from Aberdeen, to send him images of her bra, buttocks, breasts, and herself in her school uniform. He also sent multiple photographs of his erect penis, including one taken while the girl was supposedly at school, which she responded to with concern about getting in trouble. The conversation was characterized by a persistent sexual tone, with Duncan seeking to humiliate, distress, or alarm the fictitious minor for his gratification.

Police acted swiftly once Duncan sent his last message. Within five minutes, officers executed a search warrant at his residence. Duncan was present when they arrived, and his mobile phone was seized as evidence. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. During police interviews, Duncan initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had not sent any sexual images or videos to anyone under 16. However, he later expressed remorse, stating he was disgusted with himself but maintained that he was not sexually attracted to young girls.

Deputy Fiscal Chris Mackintosh reported that Duncan admitted to engaging in sexual conversations with the fictitious minor between May 3 and May 30, 2018. He also acknowledged sending explicit images and videos, including a video of himself masturbating and photographs of his erect penis. Duncan’s actions were part of an ongoing police operation targeting individuals who use social media and instant messaging services to communicate with minors for sexual purposes.

In court, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis described Duncan’s conduct as serious, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the content and the fact that the grooming occurred over a four-week period. The sheriff highlighted the gravity of the offences, noting that Duncan was aware he was speaking to someone under 16. Duncan’s case was further complicated by his mental health condition, as he was reported to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

As part of his sentencing, Duncan was ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid community service and will be supervised by a social worker for the next three years. Additionally, he was subjected to a conduct requirement that prohibits him from accessing any social media chatrooms without prior approval from his supervising officer. Duncan must also provide a list of all devices capable of accessing the internet, which will be subject to inspection and examination upon request.

Furthermore, Duncan is required to participate in the “Moving Forward, Making Changes” programme, run by the Tay Project, which aims to rehabilitate sex offenders and prevent future offending. His case has been adjourned until April 24, when background reports and assessments will be considered before final sentencing. Duncan’s mobile phone was forfeited as part of the proceedings, and his legal representative, solicitor John McLaughlin, will present his case when he returns to court next month.