An Edinburgh man who evaded sentencing for sending inappropriate messages to an undercover police officer posing as a 14-year-old girl has finally appeared in court after being apprehended in Perthshire. 47-year-old Coen Bust, a computer specialist, was found sleeping rough in woodland near Dunkeld and Birnam, bringing an end to an 18-day search across Scotland.
Bust’s initial contact with the undercover officer, who he believed to be a young teenager named Sophie, began in August 2023 on the online forum Chat Avenue, later migrating to Snapchat. His messages, deemed sexually explicit and inappropriate, led to a police raid on his then Edinburgh New Town residence and subsequent arrest on September 12, 2023. He pleaded guilty on January 30, 2025. However, instead of attending his sentencing hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on March 13, 2025, Bust chose to abscond. His disappearance prompted a public appeal for information on his whereabouts by Police Scotland, which included released images of him disembarking a train in Dunkeld. This sparked a concentrated search effort in the Perthshire area. He was eventually found in Birnam Glen on March 31st. A Rural Hideout and Return to Justice
The beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Birnam Glen, a popular spot for locals and visitors to Perthshire alike and just a short distance from Dunkeld, became Bust’s temporary hideout. Known for its stunning walks and connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this peaceful area provided an unlikely contrast to the serious charges Bust faced. His capture brought relief to the community and marked a return to the due process of law.
After a week in custody, Bust faced Sheriff Wendy Sheehan at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The Sheriff acknowledged the severity of his crime, stating a custodial sentence was under consideration. However, emphasizing the importance of preventing future offenses, she opted for a two-year community payback order, which includes supervision, internet and computer restrictions, and a ban on contact with children under 16. Bust has also been placed on the sex offenders register for a two-year period.
Bust’s solicitor, Ross Gardner, explained his client’s actions as driven by a combination of anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and the stress of press attention. He detailed Bust’s distress at the potential loss of his partner and family, suggesting these factors prompted him to leave Edinburgh.
This case highlights the challenges of online safety and the importance of vigilance in our communities, particularly in popular online spaces frequented by young people. The incident also underscores the efficacy of undercover operations in identifying individuals engaged in such illicit activities and the dedication of Police Scotland in pursuing fugitives, even those seeking refuge in picturesque Perthshire landscapes. The sentence handed down aims to address both the need for punishment and rehabilitation, reflecting a commitment to community safety and preventing future harm.
Bust’s initial contact with the undercover officer, who he believed to be a young teenager named Sophie, began in August 2023 on the online forum Chat Avenue, later migrating to Snapchat. His messages, deemed sexually explicit and inappropriate, led to a police raid on his then Edinburgh New Town residence and subsequent arrest on September 12, 2023. He pleaded guilty on January 30, 2025. However, instead of attending his sentencing hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on March 13, 2025, Bust chose to abscond. His disappearance prompted a public appeal for information on his whereabouts by Police Scotland, which included released images of him disembarking a train in Dunkeld. This sparked a concentrated search effort in the Perthshire area. He was eventually found in Birnam Glen on March 31st. A Rural Hideout and Return to Justice
The beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Birnam Glen, a popular spot for locals and visitors to Perthshire alike and just a short distance from Dunkeld, became Bust’s temporary hideout. Known for its stunning walks and connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this peaceful area provided an unlikely contrast to the serious charges Bust faced. His capture brought relief to the community and marked a return to the due process of law.
After a week in custody, Bust faced Sheriff Wendy Sheehan at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The Sheriff acknowledged the severity of his crime, stating a custodial sentence was under consideration. However, emphasizing the importance of preventing future offenses, she opted for a two-year community payback order, which includes supervision, internet and computer restrictions, and a ban on contact with children under 16. Bust has also been placed on the sex offenders register for a two-year period.
Bust’s solicitor, Ross Gardner, explained his client’s actions as driven by a combination of anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and the stress of press attention. He detailed Bust’s distress at the potential loss of his partner and family, suggesting these factors prompted him to leave Edinburgh.
This case highlights the challenges of online safety and the importance of vigilance in our communities, particularly in popular online spaces frequented by young people. The incident also underscores the efficacy of undercover operations in identifying individuals engaged in such illicit activities and the dedication of Police Scotland in pursuing fugitives, even those seeking refuge in picturesque Perthshire landscapes. The sentence handed down aims to address both the need for punishment and rehabilitation, reflecting a commitment to community safety and preventing future harm.