Scots influencer who set up fake social media profiles to taunt former friends fined £500
An influencer who set up fake social media profiles to taunt his former college friends with vile abuse has been fined £500. Twitter troll Valentino Murdoch launched homophobic and anti-ginger abuse at his victims after tracking down his former colleagues years after leaving college.
The self-styled designer fashion guru and podcaster - who has compared himself to Gianni Versace and Prince - was not present for sentencing at Perth Sheriff Court on Wednesday. He submitted a doctor's letter saying it was "in his best interests" not to turn up.
Murdoch - who sells self-portraits for £350 - admitted stalking Claire Byrne, 26, and Caitlin Jamieson, 26, between March 1 and April 21, 2021. He had initially faced a charge of stalking them over a six-year period.
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The 28-year-old 'celebrity' cited Lady Gaga in his abuse - which included calling himself 'CarrotExterminator' to direct anti-ginger messages at red-haired Ms Jamieson.
The Crown accepted the reduced period charge of causing fear or alarm by repeatedly posting abusive messages about the women on social media. He admitted creating false profiles and user names to make threats and post derogatory remarks about their appearance and sexual orientation.
Fiscal depute Duncan MacKenzie told the court: "The complainers were users of Twitter at the time. They had been friends and went to Perth College together.
"He also attended the college with these witnesses between 2014 and 2016."
The court was told Murdoch beginning to act "oddly" and accusing Ms Byrne of stealing artwork from the college.
"In March 2021, after posting a number of images of art work on Instagram, Claire Byrne noted a number of comments being added to the images - from an account in the name Alison Dubois."
Murdoch - using the fake account - posted: "Remember Perth College. Saw printouts of all your nasty Tweets. No point wasting time doing art when you are a nasty little monster. You are not a Little Monster, you are a Twitter troll - a cis Lady Gaga."
When Caitlin Jamieson posted images, Murdoch taunted her with sickening abuse about her appearance. He said: "Emo lesbian abusers. Why do you look like a cancer patient? Feel like I'm watching a clown movie, but in real life. This is scary - you look like a man. There's nothing wrong with you. You ate lots at college."
Mr MacKenzie said: "They were visible to followers of the complainers. Both formed the opinion it was the accused who had created fake Instagram accounts and posted these comments, given the specialist knowledge and the nature of the content.
"A further account was created and similar content followed thereafter. Following on from the latter period of messages the complainers were concerned and contacted the police."
In those messages, Murdoch told them: "Your dog's getting shot. You're a life ruiner. I hope carrots get cancer. You're a fat ugly c***."
When he was confronted by police, Murdoch admitted setting up the fake accounts and sending the posts "to cause a drama for no reason."
Solicitor David Holmes, defending, said Murdoch had been previously excused from appearing in court due to his fear of going out and his anxiety.
"I spoke to Mr Murdoch and went through the terms of the report with him," Mr Holmes said. "I would not anticipate the accused would be in a position to attend. I would be seeking to persuade your Lordship that would not be necessary."
Sheriff Wyllie Robertson was told Murdoch received £900 benefits monthly and ordered him to pay his £500 fine at £50 per month.
Murdoch, Kerrycroy, Aberfeldy, has set up a website selling thousands of pounds worth of second hand designer clothing and is asking £350 for framed and signed pictures of himself.
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