Suspected paedo found dead after being confronted and ‘outed’ by vigilante group

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An alleged paedophile was found dead days after a “paedophile-hunting” vigilante group confronted him on his doorstep.

Andrew Clunie, who was in his early 60s, reportedly took his own life after being accused of trying to groom children on the internet.

Clunie had been charged with sexual offences after the vigilante group reported his online messaging to Police Scotland.

He had originally been scheduled to appear on an undertaking at Perth Sheriff Court on Friday but the case was dropped without calling by the Crown.

It is understood Clunie had been accused of sending sexual communications to a child after being duped online by a group of self-styled paedophile hunters.

Clunie reportedly believed he had been exchanging messages with a youngster, reports the Daily Record, but was in fact sending them to an adult posing as a much younger person online.

Members of the group turned up at his home in Perthshire to confront him personally about the nature of his online interaction with the "child."

It is understood the "meeting" was recorded and posted online to out Clunie's involvement and his details were forwarded to the police.

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He was interviewed by police and served with an undertaking to appear in court. He was due to make a first appearance on Friday but the Crown was informed that he had been found dead.

A source close to the case said: "Regardless of the validity of the case or otherwise, it is hard to see the situation as anything other than a tragedy.

"It does perhaps call into question the methods of these vigilante groups as they can have no idea about a person's mental state when they arrive to confront them."

A spokesperson for the Crown Office said: "The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a 55-year-old on 21 November 2021.

"The investigation into the death, under the direction of Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU), is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."

It has been confirmed that any criminal case against Clunie has been closed in the wake of his death.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

• Crime

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