STEVEN MACMILLAN – DALKEITH/STRATHAVEN

A 53-year-old dentist who was jailed for sending indecent messages to a teenage girl has failed in his attempt to have his sentence reduced.

Steven MacMillan, from Strathaven, Lanarkshire, was sentenced to 20 months in prison after admitting to communicating indecently with a 13-year-old girl over social media between February and March 2023.

The girl disclosed her age to MacMillan early in the conversation, but communication continued and later became inappropriate. The exchange included messages and voice notes, which were later discovered by the girl’s mother. The matter was reported, and MacMillan was subsequently confronted at his home. Police were called, and an investigation was launched.

MacMillan appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offence. In addition to the custodial sentence handed down in July 2025, he was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Although MacMillan later appealed the length of his sentence, the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh rejected the appeal at the second sift stage, meaning it will not proceed further.

MacMillan has been suspended from practising dentistry by the General Dental Council (GDC) since March 2023. His suspension remains in effect until at least December 31, 2025, and further disciplinary action by the GDC is expected.