Inverness man (70) avoids prison after being caught in ‘sting’ operation by trio of paedophile hunter groups
An Inverness pensioner who was caught in a "sting" operation by different members of three paedophile hunter groups has been ordered to take part in a rehabilitation programme for sex offenders involving children.
Raymond Paterson, of Kenneth Street, Inverness was caught after he communicated with the groups' decoys thinking they were children under 16.
He previously appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and admitted four charges of indecent communications with children which occurred between March 1, 2023 and June 11, 2023.
• Sign up for our free newsletters
A background report had been prepared on the 70-year-old and Sheriff Robert Frazer decided to follow the recommendation of the social work author and not jail Paterson.
His solicitor advocate Shahid Latif told the court at the earlier hearing: "During that period of 20 days, a malaise had overtaken him. As he is a first offender, a report will be required."
The court heard Paterson sent the people posing as children messages of a sexual nature. The decoys confronted him on June 11 at his home after his wife had answered the door.
The court heard that Paterson asked them to move as he talked to them so the neighbours wouldn't hear.
Fiscal depute Susan Love said that police were then subsequently informed and he was arrested, adding: "He told officers that he had no intention of meeting them."
Paterson was also placed under social work supervision and on the Sex Offenders’ Register for three years and instructed to carry out 220 hours of unpaid community work. Restrictions on his use of internet-enabled devices were also imposed.
