Depraved father, 49, who shared pictures of schoolgirls and encouraged their sexual abuse was involved in bowls coaching in Edinburgh

Stuart Betts, 49, was caught by an undercover police officer who was attempting to gather intelligence against adults seeking to sexually abuse children online.

First offender Betts was convicted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last week after the court heard how he suggested to the undercover officer, who he took to be a fellow pervert, that two girls, then aged 17 and 14, be sexually attacked in their beds by a “gang.”

But now the Evening News can reveal that Betts was a respected coach with the Scottish Young Bowlers Association as a district convenor for players under the age of 18 – at both the national level and as an ex committee member at Craigentinny.

Several social media posts that remain in place reference Betts and on occasions thank him for his role in developing talented youngsters from across Edinburgh.

One dating back to 2013 references his involvement in setting up a summer party for the kids that would aim to encourage new members to join.

Several photos can also be found on the Craigentinny Facebook page showing Betts at a barbecue with several young people in what looks like a club fun day.

Another post taken from Craigentinny’s Twitter, which dates back to September 2016, reads: “Its all in the coaching, and we are proud @stubetts is doing a wonderful job, keep up the good work Stuart.”

Banned from bowling premises

In a couple of letters addressed to district secretaries in August 2019, Bowls Scotland, the sport’s national governing body, made clear that they suspended Betts as soon as they were made aware of the investigation.

They also instructed that all members were informed that he was not allowed to access any bowling premises under any circumstances. Bowls Scotland also asked members not to discuss the matter in case they were overheard and information was used out of context that could prejudice the trial.

A spokesperson for Craigentinny Bowling Club, said: “We suspended him immediately under instruction from Bowls Scotland. Shortly thereafter Mr Betts resigned. The club then acted accordingly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all its members.”

But when challenged on what specific measures had been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all its members, the club failed to respond.

Bowls Scotland were also approached for comment but did not respond.

Betts pled guilty to making aggressive, offensive and sexualised remarks on the social media platform, stating his desire to sexually abuse the two girls.

He also pled guilty to suggesting to others that they carry out sexual abuse towards them.

Sheriff Robert Fife deferred sentence and placed Betts on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

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