A man who has been working as a cleaner in an Inverness school has appeared in court accused of indecent online communications.
Christopher Stevenson, 52, was arrested at his Inverness home after a ‘sting’ by a vigilante group at around 5.50pm on Monday.
He appeared in private at Inverness Sheriff Court today facing two charges under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act.
Stevenson made no plea to causing a child under the age of 16, or whom he believed to be underage, to view sexual images, by sending images of his penis.
He is further accused of attempting to communicate sexually with the same woman, whom he believed to be a child aged 14.
Sheriff Gary Aitken committed him for further examination and released Stevenson on bail.
It’s understood Mr Stevenson worked for an external company which provides cleaning services to Millburn Academy.
He was not directly employed by the school or by Highland Council.
Parents of Millburn Academy pupils received a letter from the head teacher yesterday, sharing a statement from Police Scotland.
Millburn Academy parents informed after ‘concerns’
It reads: “We are aware of concerns that have been raised in relation to the arrest of an individual.”
It added: “The individual referred to in the statement above is not employed by The Highland Council or the school but works for an external company that manages the cleaning and FM services.
“As this matter is subject to legal proceedings we cannot comment further, however, please be assured that this is being taken very seriously, and The Highland Council is linking in with Police Scotland in relation to this issue.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 52-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with indecent online communications.
“Officers were called to Polvanie View, Inverness around 5.50pm on Monday, April 28.
“A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.“