In 2026, the Offender Database recorded the conviction of 23-year-old Amelia Connolly for creating indecent images of children using artificial intelligence. Connolly—of Alloa, Clackmannanshire—was arrested after Police Scotland executed a search warrant at her home and recovered a mobile phone containing multiple prohibited images. It was reported that the images depicted a child’s face superimposed onto an adult’s body in various states of sexualised posing and masturbation.
The investigation established that Connolly, a prominent Scottish independence campaigner and former Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Scottish Young Greens, had used her digital skills to generate the material. The prosecution reported that the device was seized in December last year and forensic examination confirmed the presence of the AI-generated abuse material. Despite the nature of the recovery, Connolly reportedly posted a TikTok defending her actions and maintained a website page dismissing concerns about transgender individuals as “rumours” from critics.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that confusion arose during proceedings at Falkirk Sheriff Court regarding the offender’s sex. While Connolly was born male, both the Procurator Fiscal and the judge referred to the defendant using female pronouns throughout the hearing. The investigation established that the Dundee Courier was the only outlet to clarify that Connolly was born male, following recent shifts in Police Scotland policy to register criminals by their biological sex rather than gender identity to ensure data accuracy.
Sheriff Simon Collins KC presided over the hearing, where fiscal depute Ronnie Hay outlined the “sexualised” nature of the AI images found on the mobile phone. For the offences committed in Alloa and the wider Clackmannanshire area, the first-time offender had her sentence deferred until 1 May 2026 to allow for the preparation of social inquiry reports. The judge noted the gravity of the “devious” use of AI to create abuse material, while campaigners criticised the court’s use of female terminology as potentially blurring public crime data.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Scotland, the status of Amelia Connolly as of April 3, 2026, was as follows:
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sentencing deferred to 1 May 2026).
- Sex Offenders Register: Subject to notification requirements following conviction.
- Political Status: Suspended from the Scottish Young Greens; former SNP member.
- Judicial Oversight: Proceedings held at Falkirk Sheriff Court; investigated by Police Scotland.
- Criminal Record: Creating indecent images of children using AI.
- Origin: Alloa, Clackmannanshire, Scotland.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Connolly is managed as a registered sex offender within the Clackmannanshire area. Due to the nature of her conduct, which involved the deliberate use of AI technology to bypass traditional safeguarding and create synthetic abuse material, her management is a priority for local public protection units. Authorities state that her high-profile role as an “Equality and Diversity” officer and her active social media presence on TikTok provided a platform that stands in stark contrast to her criminal activity.
As a registered sex offender, Connolly’s details are permanently logged on the national police database, recorded under her biological sex as per current Police Scotland reporting standards. Authorities state that any future sentencing will likely include a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) with strict conditions regarding her use of AI software and internet-enabled devices. Any failure to notify police of her residency in Alloa or any further attempts to generate or distribute prohibited digital material will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was referred to as female in court despite being biologically male, do you believe that “biological sex” should be a mandatory legal requirement in all court transcripts and media reporting to prevent the blurring of crime statistics?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.