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Daily Record
Daily Record
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Paisley Express

Court hears serial Paisley paedophile plotted to abuse and rape children

A serial Paisley paedophile was caught plotting to abuse children with other perverts.

Michael Cox, 28, struck again just months after being freed from jail following another sex offence.

Prosecutor David MacLeod today told how police had raided Cox’s then flat in Paisley on October 8, 2021.

The High Court in Glasgow heard officers found a mobile phone stuffed under a mattress.

It was found to have more than 900 indecent photos and video clips of children stored on it.

Cox had also distributed some of the sick hoard to fellow paedophiles via messaging apps and email.

The court then heard how police discovered Cox had been in regular contact with others to find youngsters to harm.

Mr MacLeod said he was “engaged in conduct” with “co-conspirators to further the aim of the conspiracy”.

Describing Cox’s discussion with one pervert, Mr MacLeod added: “He made reference to a child [who was described] as a prospect to sexually abuse.”

Cox further made arrangements to travel to London to target a youngster. He also appeared to be part of a paedophile group on WhatsApp which shared still and moving images of a child.

Cox yesterday pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to rape and sexually assault youngsters. He further admitted possessing and distributing indecent images.

The charges spanned between July and October 2021.

Cox had previously been deemed a “high risk” sex offender. He has been jailed a number of times for having indecent photos of children.

Cox was last locked up in 2020 and freed in February 2021.

Lady Stacey asked for a full risk assessment to carried out which could see Cox eventually hit with an order for lifelong restriction.

He was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned until March next year.

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