Locations
Larkhall, Lanarkshire, ML9
Description
Ian Rees, 63, of Larkhall, placed on sex offenders’ register after undercover sting identified him by Batman pyjamas
Ian Rees, 63, from Larkhall, Lanarkshire, has been placed on the sex offenders’ register after admitting sexual offences against a decoy online account posing as a 12-year-old girl.
As part of Police Scotland’s Operation Cipio, an undercover officer posed as a 12-year-old girl from south Wales. In February 2024, an account named ‘Harleyguydan’ contacted the decoy. Rees asked “do you like older guys?” and, after being told the account belonged to a 12-year-old, said “I’m here for sex chat, do you like sex chat?” He then sent a string of messages and an explicit image of himself.
The image showed pyjama bottoms with Batman logos and distinctive geometric tiling on a toilet floor. Officers traced Rees to his home in Larkhall, which was searched. The ensuite floor tiling matched the photograph and a pair of Batman pyjama bottoms was recovered. He was arrested.
At Hamilton Sheriff Court, Rees admitted communicating indecently with the ‘girl’ and causing her to look at a sexual image.
Depute fiscal Neil Thomson told the court:
“A police officer was taking part in an undercover operation as part of Operation Cipio in their role to engage with individuals who use the internet and social media who may have a sexual interest in children.
“They were posing as a 12-year-old girl from south Wales when an account dubbed ‘Harleyguydan’ messaged the account.
“The user asked ‘do you like older guys?’ and was told she was 12 but then said ‘I’m here for sex chat, do you like sex chat?’
“After further messages were received the user sent the undercover officer a sexual image of himself.
“In the background, floor tiling could be seen depicting a geometric design along with a pair of pyjama bottoms worn by the user with what appeared to be Batman logos on them.
“Police officers later attended at his house in Larkhall and a search was carried out.
“The floor of the ensuite matched the floor in the picture and a pair of Batman pyjama bottoms were also recovered.”
Sheriff Louise Gallacher deferred sentence until January for reports and continued bail. She told Rees, a first offender: “Given the serious nature of the charge and that you do not have any previous convictions I’m required to call for reports.” He was placed on the sex offenders’ register.