In 2026, the Offender Database reported that David McNeish, then 39, of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, was spared a prison sentence for his involvement in online grooming and the possession of child abuse material. On Monday, 8 December 2025, McNeish appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing after being snared in an undercover police operation designed to catch online predators.
The investigation established that McNeish engaged in “vile” communications with a social media profile he believed belonged to a 14-year-old girl. The prosecution reported that he sent sexual messages and images to the profile, alongside requests for naked pictures of the child. Unbeknownst to him, the recipient was an undercover officer. Following a raid on his Bonnyrigg home, police discovered indecent images on his phone and evidence of him “viciously” discussing the abuse of children with other offenders on a “despicable” online chat forum.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that McNeish had previously entered guilty pleas in October to attempting to communicate indecently with a child and possessing indecent images. Sheriff Gillian Sharp emphasised that while the offences were “reprehensible,” the sentence would focus on strict community-based management. The prosecution emphasised that the digital evidence uncovered during the raid demonstrated a “vile” and persistent interest in the exploitation of minors.
The judge emphasised that the defendant must comply with “serious” restrictions to ensure public safety. The prosecution emphasised that the discussions on the chat forum were “vicious” and highlighted the risk McNeish posed to the community. For his crimes in Midlothian, the court determined that a combination of a curfew, supervision, and a long-term Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) would be the most effective way to monitor his future conduct.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Scotland, David McNeish was handed:
- Curfew: A 12-month restriction of liberty order, requiring him to remain at his home between 9 pm and 6 am.
- Supervision: A three-year social work supervision order.
- SHPO: A Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for three years.
- Convictions: Pled guilty to attempting to communicate indecently with a child and possessing indecent images of children.
Monitoring and Public Protection
McNeish is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Lothian and Borders Division of Police Scotland and the Social Work Department. Due to the “vile” nature of his digital footprint and his “vicious” participation in online paedophile forums, his internet activity is under the highest level of scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit.
As a registered sex offender, McNeish must comply with the mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in Bonnyrigg. Authorities state that his five-year SHPO is a vital tool to restrict his “vile” access to children and his “vicious” use of online communication platforms. Any breach of his registration conditions, his curfew, or his supervision requirements will result in his immediate arrest and return to Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
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.