A sex offender from Fife breached a strict court order when he downloaded Snapchat and showered a teenage girl with compliments, telling her he would “treat her like a princess”.
Christopher Watson, 31, was previously jailed for 40 months for sexually assaulting a child and was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order granted at Chelmsford Crown Court in March 2021.
He appeared this week at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court by video link to Perth Prison to plead guilty to two charges of breaching the terms of his order, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The order bans unsupervised contact or communication with any child under 16 and acquiring or using software designed to destroy internet history or activity.
Watson admitted downloading Snapchat – an app which deletes data after use – and communicating with two females online, who he believed were under 16.
The offending took place at an address in Sea Road, Methil, and elsewhere over a period spanning December 28 last year to February 18.
‘Princess’
Prosecutor Sarah Smith told the court police acted on intelligence to search Watson’s home on February 18.
A mobile phone was examined and Snapchat messages found.
The court heard there was a non-sexual conversation between Watson and another user between December 31 and February 4.
The other account sent 34 “selfie-type” images of a young female’s face, aged about 13 or 14, to Watson’s account.
Watson asked for her name, which she gave, then he sent a message which said: “You’ve got an amazing personality, beautiful face, pretty eyes, cute smile, flawless hair, your voice is cute, your laugh is addictive, you’re everything I’ve ever wanted and more… you’re funny, caring, outgoing, a little naughty.”
The message goes on to say she is “heavenly” and “my goddamn princess”.
A message sent by Watson two minutes later says: “I will treat you like a princess, compliment you every day and never hurt nor cheat on you. I will reassure you when needed, love you with all my heart and just be the best boyfriend you could ever want”.
Watson sent a message of a sexual nature and talked about wanting her to be his girlfriend.
Second target
A conversation was recovered between Watson and another female Snapchat user between February 17 and 18.
She said she was 15 and from Serbia.
Watson acknowledged this by saying she is a child and then pretended he was in his early 20s.
The court heard Watson has been in custody since February 19 this year.
Sheriff James Williamson highlighted a previous breach in Dundee and said: “Now he has indulged in conversation with young females under 16.”
Sheriff Williamson said he can not sentence Watson until he knows the risk he poses to the public and called for background reports.
Sentencing was adjourned until August 7.
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