‘Call me uncle’ paedophile, 73, given parks ban

“Decoys operating within the group had to adhere to a set of rules. These included not instigating or leading conversations and clearly identifying the age of the child – in this case a 13-year-old female.”

Mr McDermid said: “On September 1 2020, Mr Coates placed the decoy profile of Zoe Herd onto social media platforms ChatIW and Kik.

“That day, the accused made contact with the decoy and was informed that its age was 13.”

“This did not deter the accused, who continued to communicate over a period of time.”

During the exchanges, McFadden suggested the decoy could call him uncle and that she could be his niece.

McFadden later repeatedly asked to meet up with Zoe, and asked: “If you were in my flat, what would you do if I kissed you?”

The pensioner told the decoy account that he was scared someone would find about them and her mum might call the police, before sending another obscene photo.

McFadden arranged to meet the decoy at North Inch on September 26.

He continued to chat with Zoe until he came face to face with the Forbidden Scotland team.

Screenshots and videos were passed to police by the paedophile hunter group.

McFadden was arrested and told cops: “Just stupid.”

Michael McFadden tried to groom who he thought was a 13-year-old and was caught by paedophile hunters.