Shop worker supplied alcohol and sent sleazy messages to school girl.

Shop Worker Sentenced for Supplying Alcohol to Minor, Sending Inappropriate Messages

A 23-year-old shop worker, Vinit Kotadiya, has been found guilty of providing alcohol to a 13-year-old girl and sending her inappropriate messages.

Kotadiya, who worked at a convenience store in Tranent, East Lothian, met the girl outside the store and began communicating with her on Instagram. Despite the girl repeatedly informing him of her age, Kotadiya continued to engage with her and supplied her with alcohol on multiple occasions.

On February 14, 2022, Kotadiya gave the girl a rucksack containing alcohol and cash, and sent her messages professing his love and desire to marry her. The girl's mother became suspicious of her daughter's activities and contacted the police, leading to Kotadiya's arrest.

In court, Kotadiya pleaded guilty to sending grossly offensive messages and supplying alcohol to a minor. He was found to have met the girl at the back of the store to exchange alcohol. He also admitted to sending the girl messages asking her to be his Valentine, despite her repeated declarations of being 13 years old.

The court heard that Kotadiya's actions caused significant concern for the girl's mother, who observed messages between her daughter and friends confirming the gifts and alcohol provided by Kotadiya. The sheriff will consider whether Kotadiya's conviction requires him to be added to the sex offenders register at a future hearing.