Scots ‘influencer’ walks free after stalking old college pals with fake profiles

A podcaster and influencer who stalked former college friends using fake online profiles has been ordered to behave for six months by a sheriff.

Valentino Murdoch – who sells self-portraits for £350 – has admitted being a Twitter troll who tracked down his ex-pals to subject them to online abuse. Murdoch – a homophobic bigot who compares himself to Prince and Gianni Versace – has been ordered to be of good behaviour by Sheriff William Wood.

The 28-year-old ‘celebrity’ cited Lady Gaga in his abuse and claimed he could not attend Perth Sheriff Court because he suffers from agoraphobia. The court heard he was unwell and Murdoch was excused for attending for sentence after he admitted stalking and abusing two former classmates years after leaving Perth College.

Murdoch, Kerrycroy, Aberfeldy, admitted stalking Claire Byrne, 26, and Caitlin Jamieson, 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, 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.”

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.”

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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