Man admits threatening to brand victim as a paedophile

Accused also made threats of violence and murder, sheriff is told

A Fife man who threatened to post his victim’s details on a paedophile hunter Facebook page unless he was given money has pled guilty to extortion.

Colin McKerrow appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Thursday where he admitted attempting to extort money from another man.

The 35-year-old, of Cross Street in Dysart, threatened to go to the victim’s home address where he would video him before posting the footage online.

He told the man, who cannot be named, that he would place the details on a Facebook group set up to expose sex offenders unless he was paid a sum of money.

McKerrow also made threats of violence and murder towards his victim, placing him in a state of fear and alarm.

The offence was aggravated by the victim’s sexual orientation.

Defence solicitor Martin McGuire said: “My client was keen for the matter to be dealt with and is taking the matter very seriously.”

Sheriff Alastair Thornton deferred sentence for a full range of background reports, including a restriction of liberty assessment.

He said: “I’m going to defer sentence on this matter. I haven’t heard any of the circumstances so I’m not reaching any conclusions.

“Make sure you comply fully with the social work department who will prepare the reports.”

McKerrow will return for sentencing on January 10.

Paedophile hunter groups create decoy social media profiles which appear to belong to underage children.

When approached by potential sex offenders, they engage in conversation before reporting the matter to the police. The groups also arrange “live stings”, where they confront the alleged sex offenders and post videos of the meetings online.

Police in Fife have used information from various hunter groups six times in the last year to detect grooming of children online.

Colin McKerrow has admitted attempted sexual extortion at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. He will be sentenced on January 10.