STEVEN ALEXANDER GREENHORN FROM METHILHILL ESCAPES PRISON IN DISTURBING ONLINE PREDATION CASE IN FIFE

A man identified as Steven Alexander Greenhorn, aged 26 and residing in Methilhill, Fife, has narrowly avoided a prison sentence after engaging in a disturbing pattern of online misconduct involving underage girls. Greenhorn, who works at an Amazon warehouse, was brought before Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on June 14, 2016, facing serious charges related to his use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Tinder, and Instagram.

According to court records, Greenhorn created fake profiles on these popular social networking sites with the specific intent of befriending teenage girls. His goal was to obtain indecent images from them, a tactic that raises significant concerns about online safety and exploitation of minors. The court heard that Greenhorn's actions were deliberate and predatory, targeting vulnerable young individuals through digital means.

Police in Fife launched an investigation into Greenhorn’s activities after he failed to appear in court and subsequently skipped bail. Authorities issued a public appeal in May of the same year, urging the community’s assistance in locating him and bringing him to justice. Despite efforts to apprehend him, Greenhorn remained at large until his eventual court appearance.

During the sentencing, the court decided on a community-based punishment rather than incarceration. Greenhorn was handed a two-year community payback order, which requires him to perform unpaid work in the community. Additionally, he was ordered to register on the sex offenders register for a period of two years, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further offenses.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding online grooming and exploitation, especially involving minors. The authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious online behavior to protect vulnerable individuals from predators like Greenhorn.