Alistair Roberts, a 37-year-old Scottish taekwondo medallist, has been detained in Tokyo after sending explicit messages to a 15-year-old girl in 2017. He was placed on the sex offenders register for three years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Details of the Crime
Roberts, then aged 28 and using the surname Darlington, bombarded the teenager with explicit messages and videos on Snapchat in 2017. Falkirk Sheriff Court heard he was drinking 'almost daily' when he sent explicit snaps and a video of himself performing a solo sex act. He claimed 'age doesn't matter' after contacting the youngster on social media.
He admitted causing her to look at explicit images and making sexual remarks in November 2016. Despite the victim pleading with him to stop, he also sent a photo of his genitalia.
Disappearance and Detention
Roberts was reported missing from Tokyo after leaving a poker match in the Kabukicho red-light district on July 11. He had not been in touch with his fiancée or friends since leaving the game at around 4:30 am. His disappearance was described as 'insanely out of character' by loved ones, and extensive appeals were made on social media.
The Foreign Office confirmed on Thursday that he has been detained in the country. The reason for his detention is not currently known.
An FCDO Spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man detained in Tokyo and are in contact with the local authorities.'
