A Scottish gamer is facing the prospect of jail time after exchanging over 15,000 social media messages with a schoolgirl. Darren McCulloch, aged 26, received an initial message from the 14-year-old on social media while gaming. Despite being informed of her young age, McCulloch continued to communicate with her through platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Facetime, with their conversations taking a highly sexual turn.
The pair exchanged numerous intimate images before arranging to meet in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, in September 2022. During the encounter, McCulloch engaged in a consensual sexual act with the underage girl. Concerned by changes in their daughter’s behaviour, the girl’s parents discovered the explicit messages and images shared between McCulloch and their daughter. Police were alerted, leading to an investigation that revealed the extensive communication between them.
Appearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, McCulloch admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the girl and communicating indecently with her between May and September 2022. Depute fiscal Scott O’Connor detailed how the conversations evolved into affectionate and sexual exchanges, culminating in their meeting in Wishaw. Observing the severity of the offences, Sheriff Liam Murphy deferred sentencing until the following month for reports, acknowledging that all options, including imprisonment, were on the table.
McCulloch has been placed on the sex offenders’ register as a first-time offender. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in monitoring children’s online activities. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this case and more by signing up for our daily newsletter for the most recent news from around Scotland and beyond.