A Wishaw man has been challenged by an online vigilante group for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to an underage girl.
The 21-year-old, who is believed to suffer from learning disabilities, was ambushed at his home by members of Groom Resisters Scotland on Tuesday, April 30.
The approach to the man was streamed live on the group’s Facebook page, although his face was not shown, and could be heard shouting “mummy I’m sorry”, and crying for his mother when so-called paedophile hunters read out the messages he is accused of sending to the 13-year-old girl.
In the footage, his mother can be heard telling the vigilantes her son suffers from learning disabilities and claims he has the mental age of a 12-year-old.
The hunters claim he had invited a 13-year-old female to his house that morning to engage in sexual activity.
The hysterical man is heard repeatedly apologising for his alleged behaviour.
The vigilantes also claim he told the teenager his mother was aware of he what he was doing, to which his mum, who is also believed to be disabled, strongly denied.
The live footage and the presence of Groom Resisters Scotland attracted unwanted attention to the street.
A man is heard shouting abuse at the accused in the video.
The man’s step-dad is heard asking him “what the hell are you doing?” and telling him “this is serious”, when he is informed why the vigilantes are at the house.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 11.15 am on Tuesday, 30 April 2019, police were called to a report of a disturbance in Wishaw.
“Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing.”
