Self-styled “Fashion icon” who compared himself to Versace stalked women online

A self-styled fashion icon used fake online profiles to track down former college friends on social media to subject them to abuse during a stalking campaign.

Bigoted Valentino Murdoch – who compares himself to Prince and Gianni Versace – has been outed as a Twitter troll and ordered to turn up at court.

The 28-year-old wannabe celebrity cited Lady Gaga in his abuse and claimed he could not attend Perth Sheriff Court because he suffers from agoraphobia.

But Sheriff Eric Brown ordained him to appear for sentencing after Murdoch admitted stalking and abusing two former classmates years after leaving Perth College.

Murdoch, Kerrycroy, Aberfeldy, admitted stalking his two female victims, both 26, between 1 March and 21 April 2021. He had initially faced a charge of stalking them over a six year period.

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. However, whilst they had been friends, over time the relationship grew more distant.

“In March 2021, after posting a number of images of art work on Instagram, one victim 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 his other victim 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.”

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.”

However, Sheriff Brown said: “I wanted to get a flavour of it. In my opinion it’s not a matter I will deal with, without a personal appearance.

“There are many individuals who suffer anxiety and low mood and many of them appear before these courts.” Murdoch was ordered to appear on Valentine’s Day.

Murdoch 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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