Tried to arrange sexually abusing child while on duty.

A former police sergeant has been deemed a high risk of "causing serious harm to children" following his involvement in an undercover sting operation.

Paul Bucknall, 52, engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with two undercover police officers posing as parents. During these interactions, Bucknall made disturbing inquiries, including asking one officer if she would be willing to "share" a 10-year-old girl.

Bucknall pleaded guilty to two charges under the Communications Act. The offences occurred between September and December 2019, taking place at a police station in Glasgow and Bucknall's then-residence in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire.

As a consequence, Bucknall was sentenced to 225 hours of unpaid work, placed under supervision, and added to the sex offenders register for two years. He has also been restricted from having contact with children under the age of 16.

Sheriff Allan McKay, presiding over the case, emphasized the seriousness of Bucknall's actions, stating, "I don't need to tell you these offences are serious. They are repeated and committed over a period of time. The location in which they were committed is also a concern to me."

McKay further highlighted a concerning aspect of Bucknall's case, referencing a psychological report: "Your background report indicates that you lacked insight into the effect of the offending and that you have adopted a psychologically detached condition. The report says this condition presents as a high risk of causing serious harm to children and you have to address that."

Despite the severity of the offenses, Bucknall will retain access to computer equipment, which must be made available for inspection upon request.

The court proceedings revealed that Bucknall had joined the Chat Avenue website under the username "Purdeman50UK." He initiated communication with an undercover officer named "Gemma," who identified herself as the mother of a 10-year-old girl.

Prosecutor Jennifer Sillars stated, "Bucknall believed he was contacting the mother of the 10-year-old girl. He expressed highly graphical sexual comments including he had no age limits and asking Gemma if she would like to share her in reference to the 10-year-old girl."

Bucknall, who identified himself as Paul during the online exchanges, provided his personal mobile number to the undercover officer. Following the discovery of these offenses, a warrant was executed, leading to Bucknall's arrest. He declined to comment during his interview with law enforcement.

Pamela Rodgers, representing Bucknall, informed the court that her client had suffered significant personal losses, including the loss of his wife, two children, and granddaughter. He was also forced to resign from his position with Police Scotland.

Det Ch Insp Richard Banks, of the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, commented on the sentencing: "We acknowledge the sentence of Paul Bucknall following his abhorrent offending. He believed the internet would provide anonymity and allow him to undertake his offending undetected. This was not the case."