In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that James McGarry, 46, of Holland Crescent, Cumnock, East Ayrshire, was sentenced for a series of predatory attempts to sexually exploit two boys online. On Thursday, 18 December 2025, the defendant appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing. The court reported that McGarry sent explicit images of his genitals and buttocks to undercover police officers he believed were aged 13 and 14.
The investigation established that McGarry initiated contact with the first “child” between March and April 2023, sending a series of sexual communications and asking to see the boy’s buttocks and private images. Police Scotland reported that the defendant discussed his sexual fantasies, asked about schoolboy nudity in changing rooms, and described his own genitals to the undercover officer. The prosecution reported that a second series of offences occurred in January 2024, involving another “boy” whom McGarry targeted from his workplace in Cumnock, East Ayrshire.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that McGarry admitted to contacting both “boys” intentionally for sexual gratification or to cause distress and alarm to children. Ayr Sheriff Court heard how the defendant sent images of an aroused member and engaged in social media chats discussing his desire to commit sexual acts on the minors. The prosecution reported that McGarry’s defence solicitor cited “underlying difficulties with alcohol” and noted his client’s embarrassment regarding the behaviour carried out in Cumnock, East Ayrshire.
Sheriff Michael Meehan noted that the offences were extremely serious and that McGarry was fully aware of the nature of his actions. For his actions in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, the defendant was told that while the custody threshold had been passed, a Community Payback Order would be imposed due to his lack of a prior criminal record. The judge noted that McGarry would be subject to a four-month tag under a Restriction of Liberty Order, requiring him to remain at home between 7pm and 7am.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Scotland, James McGarry was handed:
- Community Payback Order: Two years of social work supervision.
- Unpaid Work: 200 hours to be completed within nine months.
- Restriction of Liberty Order: A four-month electronic tag (7pm to 7am).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for two years.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Ayr Sheriff Court with a six-month court review scheduled.
- Origin: Holland Crescent, Cumnock, East Ayrshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
McGarry is managed by Police Scotland and the Criminal Justice Social Work department. Due to the predatory nature of his online attempts to target 13 and 14-year-olds from his workplace in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, his conduct and internet access are subject to strict oversight during his two-year supervision period.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, McGarry must comply with notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of sending indecent images and soliciting private photos from those he believed were minors necessitates permanent monitoring to ensure he has no further contact with children. Any further sexual misconduct or breach of his electronic tag in Cumnock, Ayr, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for a likely custodial sentence.
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