A Perth man who manipulated a teenage girl into creating explicit online content for profit has been condemned by a sheriff and sentenced in court. Stuart McClure, 25, orchestrated the operation, managing the young woman’s online profile, uploading explicit images and videos, and even contacting her during school hours with requests from paying customers. Perth Sheriff Court revealed that McClure profited financially from the scheme, while the girl received a mere £200 for nearly eight months of exploitation. Sheriff Denounces McClure’s Actions as ‘Pimping’
Sheriff Grant McCulloch directly addressed McClure in court, stating unequivocally: “You are a pimp.” He underscored the gravity of McClure’s actions, emphasizing his role in enabling the sexual exploitation of a minor. The sheriff noted that while the girl’s participation may have appeared willing, McClure was the driving force, creating and disseminating the content. He highlighted the disturbing nature of McClure’s profit motive, which derived directly from the sexual gratification of others.
The sheriff criticized McClure’s lack of remorse, pointing out that his primary concern throughout legal proceedings seemed to be the impact on himself rather than the harm inflicted on the victim. He urged McClure to reflect on his choices and the potential consequences of exploiting others. Sentence Includes Community Service, Supervision, and Restrictions
Despite the seriousness of the offense, Sheriff McCulloch, acknowledging McClure’s clean record and the victim’s apparent willingness, chose not to impose a prison sentence. Instead, McClure was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid community service and placed under supervision for two years. He will also be required to participate in the Moving Forward program, designed for sex offenders. The sentence includes several restrictive conditions, such as a prohibition on forming new relationships without informing his supervisor and limitations on his phone and computer usage.
Furthermore, a non-harassment order prevents McClure from contacting his victim for three years, and his name will remain on the sex offenders register for two years. Sheriff McCulloch suggested the victim pursue civil action to recoup any unpaid earnings owed to her. The exact amount of profit McClure generated from the accounts remains undisclosed by the prosecution. How the Exploitation Unfolded
McClure, a former business student from Huntingtower, initially suggested creating a Snapchat account to sell explicit images within weeks of starting the online relationship with the girl. Although hesitant at first, she eventually agreed under McClure’s persistent pressure. The content was created at McClure’s home while his mother was away.
Subscribers to the account were charged £25 for access to “premium Snapchat stories,” with additional fees for individual photos and personalized content. The operation came to light when the girl’s mother discovered McClure’s Instagram account, which promoted the girl’s explicit profile. A teacher alerted authorities, and the mother instructed her daughter to cease all contact with McClure. Following these events, McClure expressed regret to the girl for exploiting her and vowed to stop his involvement in such activities.
The events surrounding this case underscore the vulnerabilities young people face online and highlight the need for vigilance in our communities. Parents and educators are encouraged to have open conversations with young people about online safety and the dangers of exploitation.
Sheriff Grant McCulloch directly addressed McClure in court, stating unequivocally: “You are a pimp.” He underscored the gravity of McClure’s actions, emphasizing his role in enabling the sexual exploitation of a minor. The sheriff noted that while the girl’s participation may have appeared willing, McClure was the driving force, creating and disseminating the content. He highlighted the disturbing nature of McClure’s profit motive, which derived directly from the sexual gratification of others.
The sheriff criticized McClure’s lack of remorse, pointing out that his primary concern throughout legal proceedings seemed to be the impact on himself rather than the harm inflicted on the victim. He urged McClure to reflect on his choices and the potential consequences of exploiting others. Sentence Includes Community Service, Supervision, and Restrictions
Despite the seriousness of the offense, Sheriff McCulloch, acknowledging McClure’s clean record and the victim’s apparent willingness, chose not to impose a prison sentence. Instead, McClure was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid community service and placed under supervision for two years. He will also be required to participate in the Moving Forward program, designed for sex offenders. The sentence includes several restrictive conditions, such as a prohibition on forming new relationships without informing his supervisor and limitations on his phone and computer usage.
Furthermore, a non-harassment order prevents McClure from contacting his victim for three years, and his name will remain on the sex offenders register for two years. Sheriff McCulloch suggested the victim pursue civil action to recoup any unpaid earnings owed to her. The exact amount of profit McClure generated from the accounts remains undisclosed by the prosecution. How the Exploitation Unfolded
McClure, a former business student from Huntingtower, initially suggested creating a Snapchat account to sell explicit images within weeks of starting the online relationship with the girl. Although hesitant at first, she eventually agreed under McClure’s persistent pressure. The content was created at McClure’s home while his mother was away.
Subscribers to the account were charged £25 for access to “premium Snapchat stories,” with additional fees for individual photos and personalized content. The operation came to light when the girl’s mother discovered McClure’s Instagram account, which promoted the girl’s explicit profile. A teacher alerted authorities, and the mother instructed her daughter to cease all contact with McClure. Following these events, McClure expressed regret to the girl for exploiting her and vowed to stop his involvement in such activities.
The events surrounding this case underscore the vulnerabilities young people face online and highlight the need for vigilance in our communities. Parents and educators are encouraged to have open conversations with young people about online safety and the dangers of exploitation.