Victim of Scotland's worst online predator calls for tighter laws to stop him harming other women

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A victim of Scotland’s worst online predator has called for stricter laws to stop abusers like him ruining more women’s lives.

Andreas Gkertsos has been banned from using the internet and social media after stalking, trying to blackmail and harass nine women online.

The beast was just a teenager when he started creating fake profiles and anonymous accounts to bombard women with threats after obtaining intimate images and ordering them to send more images or cash.

Free while awaiting sentence, victim Chantal Cameron said there is little deterrant to stop the takeaway worker, now 22, from doing the same thing again.

Chantel, 23, from Edinburgh had to move house after he stalked her received hundreds of abusive messages from anonymous accounts.

She said: “This monster was able to terrorise me and my family and eight other women all from his phone.

“He used so many fake accounts, multiple phone numbers and bombarded us with abuse and threats.

“I don’t know how banning him from using the internet or social media will stop him from doing this again because it’s not clear how the police can enforce that.

“They are stretched enough as it is, I’m sure they don’t have the power to check on every single person whose been told not to go online.

“There needs to be tighter regulation, better monitoring and specific laws in place to stop people like him reoffending.”

Public protection and crime expert Professor Jane Monckton-Smith said Gkertsos’ case made her blood run cold.

Chantel, who works in childcare, said: “An expert has said she thinks he will continue to be a threat to women in the future and that’s frightening.

“He’s free and able to walk the streets right now - there is absolutely nothing stopping him from doing this again.”

Scottish Conservative shadow minister for victims and community safety Sharon Dowey MSP said: “Victims will be deeply alarmed that this predatory criminal is still able to pose a significant risk to the public.

“It is vitally important that police can effectively monitor the conditions imposed on offenders in line with their sentences. The onus is on all governments to look at meaningful ways they can support the police in this endeavour.”

Gkertsos will be sentenced later this month.

Police Scotland said sex offenders were strictly managed but acknowledged they could never eliminate all risk.

A spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland, local authorities and other partners use professional assessment, robust risk assessment processes and the latest technologies to manage RSOs, mitigate risk and properly target appropriate resources at those who pose a risk to the public.

“Those subject to Sex Offender Notification Requirements (SONR) are placed on the register for a wide spectrum of sexual offending.

“We can never eliminate risk entirely, but sexual re-offending rates of RSOs remain very low and we want to reassure communities that all reasonable and appropriate steps are being taken to protect them.”

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