By Emeka Blast 
Offender Sentenced to 13 Years for Grooming Eight Girls Over 16 Years
A serial sexual predator, Gary MacPherson, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for grooming and abusing eight vulnerable girls over a 16-year period, from 2005 to 2022. The 58-year-old, formerly of Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, was convicted of 22 charges, including rape, following a trial at the High Court in Paisley on May 12, 2025. The court described his actions as a “systematic campaign of abuse” targeting victims as young as six years old.
MacPherson, who committed the offences at various locations, including his former home in Paisley, Renfrewshire, deliberately designed his property to lure children. Prosecutors revealed he installed a trampoline, cinema room, hot tub, swimming pool, and kept pets, including a dog named Bonnie, to make his home appealing to young victims. He used social media to initiate contact with one victim, sending messages about his dog to build trust before escalating to abuse. The court heard he told several victims not to disclose the abuse, warning it would get him into trouble, and engaged in stalking behaviour, including taking unauthorized photographs of the girls.
Detective Inspector Euan McMillan of Police Scotland described MacPherson as “an abusive individual who subjected his victims to a prolonged period of abuse,” showing disregard for the lasting impact on their lives. “His actions were calculated and predatory,” McMillan stated, praising the courage of the victims who came forward and the dedication of officers whose “perseverance and professionalism” secured the conviction.
MacPherson has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, and non-harassment orders have been granted, barring him from contacting seven of the victims for an indefinite period. The case, prosecuted under Scotland’s robust anti-abuse laws, underscores the commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of the time elapsed since the offences.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) highlighted the clear pattern of grooming behaviour, noting, “It is thanks to the victims’ bravery in reporting their experiences that MacPherson will now face the consequences of his depraved actions.” They urged anyone affected by sexual abuse to report it, emphasizing that survivors will be listened to and supported.
Social media reactions on X reflected public outrage, with posts describing MacPherson’s actions as “horrific” and commending the victims’ courage. The case has renewed calls for enhanced online safety measures to protect children from predators exploiting social media platforms.
