Search results for Glasgow

Description

A man has been jailed for seven years for a series of violent and sexual offences.

Derek McNee, 42, committed the crimes against two women in the Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire areas between 2021 and 2025.

He pled guilty to the charges on Wednesday, 2 September and returned to the High Court in Glasgow today, Monday, 2 November for sentencing.

He was also made the subject of a non-harassment order against both women and will be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

McNee was previously a Police Scotland officer, who resigned in 2016.

Detective Inspector Mairi MacDonald said:

"Derek McNee subjected these women to horrific abuse, and I would like to commend their courage in coming forward and speaking to us.

"They played an instrumental role in bringing this despicable individual to justice and I hope this outcome provides them with some closure and comfort.

"Police Scotland does not tolerate violence or sexual abuse in any form, and I hope this outcome gives other victims the confidence to come forward and make a report to us.

"We are here to listen and to help, and our specially trained officers will support you throughout the process, alongside our partner agencies."

Description

Graeme Dott, 49, jailed for seven years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life

Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two children. The 49-year-old, from Glasgow, will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.

Dott denied two charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour towards a girl and a boy between 1993 and 2010. A jury at the High Court in Glasgow found him guilty in August 2026 after a five-day trial. Lord Harrower sentenced him on 29 September 2026 at the High Court in Edinburgh. The term was backdated to 24 August, when he was remanded in custody.

He showed no emotion as sentence was passed, nodding to someone in the public gallery as he was led away. During the judge’s remarks he repeatedly shook his head.

The offences

The first victim was a girl of about nine. The abuse began in 1993, when Dott was 16 or 17, and continued until 1996. Police contacted him about those allegations in 2001, but no charges followed. The woman, now in her 40s, gave a further statement in 2025.

The second victim was a boy of about eight. That abuse began around 2006 — the year Dott won the World Snooker Championship — and continued until 2010. The boy is now a man in his 20s.

The offence of lewd and libidinous practices covers sexual crimes against children committed before 1 December 2010. It was abolished in 2009 but remains the correct charge for earlier conduct.

The court heard that Dott warned both children they would not be believed if they told anyone. He denied the allegations at trial and described them as “disgusting.”

Judge’s remarks

Lord Harrower said each victim was vulnerable for reasons beyond their age. Dott’s conduct, he said, “bore the hallmarks of grooming”: he rewarded the children with treats and presented the abuse as a game. The judge said Dott had robbed them of “a significant part of their childhood” and that the abuse was “a gross violation of trust.”

The victims, the court was told, had lived with “overwhelming emotions of fear, shame and anger,” with effects on their mental health into adulthood.

Social work reports assessed Dott as posing a “below average risk of reoffending.” Because he maintains his innocence, the judge said he could not treat remorse as a mitigating factor. The court also heard that Dott has already faced threats in prison and has been moved as a result.

Mitigation and previous record

Euan Dow, representing Dott, said the father of two is now separated from his wife but “continues to enjoy the support of his family and friends.” He said Dott has “long-standing mental health issues” and that his personal and professional reputations had been destroyed.

Dott has two previous convictions, both minor road traffic offences, from 2013 and 2015.

Prosecution comment

Procurator Fiscal Faye Cook, of the Crown Office, said: “Graeme Dott achieved success and public admiration but, in private, he exploited the trust of two children to abuse and coerce them. Dott’s criminal behaviour has been his downfall and he now faces the consequences of his actions.”

She added that “justice has no time limit” and urged other victims of historical abuse to come forward.

Sporting sanctions

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association suspended Dott from all professional activity on 9 April 2025. After the conviction it permanently revoked his membership. He was removed from the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame and relegated from the professional ranking list at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Dott won the world title in 2006 by beating Peter Ebdon at the Crucible. He was also a finalist in 2004 and 2010.

Description

A former Police Scotland officer has been convicted of numerous sexual offences at the High Court in Glasgow.

Campbell Petrie, 50, was found guilty of nine charges - including two of rape – as well as indecent assault, assault with intent to rape and assault to injury and danger of life, which took place between 2006 and 2023.

He was a serving officer at the time of these offences, and was arrested and charged, and suspended from duty, in December 2023.

Petrie retired from Police Scotland in December 2025.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced next month.

Detective Superintendent Adam Brown, Public Protection Unit said:

"Violence against women and girls is an absolute priority for Police Scotland and we will relentlessly pursue the perpetrators of these crimes.

"Our thoughts are very much with the victims in this case and I commend their strength in reporting these crimes and bringing Campbell Petrie to justice.

"We understand how difficult it can be to report these kinds of offences, particularly when the perpetrator is a police officer. I want to reassure the public we will identify and investigate these officers whether they are serving or retired, or whether their crimes are committed on duty or, as in this instance, off duty.

"Petrie will now face the consequences of his actions and today's outcome should serve as an illustration of our determination in those investigations and I hope that this outcome may bring some closure to those affected by this case."

Description

Thomas Tosh was found guilty of attacking the woman at his home in Drumchapel while she was intoxicated and incapable of consenting. 

The High Court in Glasgow heard how the 39yearold had collected the victim and her friends from a pub in Clydebank in the early hours of 30 September 2023. 

After dropping off all passengers apart from the victim, Tosh marked the fare as completed and logged out of the taxi’s GPS tracking system. 

He then drove the 23yearold woman in the opposite direction to where he was supposed to take her and brought her to his home, where he raped her. 

Two hours later, he logged back in to the tracking system while driving away from the direction of the victim’s home, where he had dropped her off. 

He was later identified after a friend of the victim showed her a picture of Tosh from social media. 

As well as the GPS evidence, the prosecution presented further evidence that proved the driver’s criminal actions. 

This included DNA results, text messages and witness accounts. 

On 7 April 2026, at the same court, Tosh was jailed for seven years, and his name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely. 

A 10-year nonharassment order, banning him from contacting or attempting to contact the victim, was also granted.  

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: 

“This was a despicable betrayal of trust by a man who was responsible for getting a woman home safely after a night out. 

“Thomas Tosh deliberately concealed his location as he drove the victim to his home, where he raped her while it was clear she was unable to consent. 

“I want to recognise the courage shown by this young woman throughout the prosecution process. Her strength has helped bring a predatory offender to justice. 

“Scotland’s prosecutors will continue to use every tool available to pursue those who abuse women and girls, and to protect the public from harm.”  

Description

East Renfrewshire priest found guilty of sexually assaulting man

An East Renfrewshire priest has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a man.

Canon Stephen Baillie, 61, of Saracen Street, Glasgow, was convicted at Paisley Sheriff Court of assaulting the man at St Joseph’s Church in Clarkston between June 27 and 28, 2024. The jury heard the victim was “heavily intoxicated and unable to consent” when Baillie placed his hands inside the man’s clothing and masturbated him, removed his clothing, repeatedly performed oral sex on him, watched him shower, touched his buttocks and placed a finger at his anus.

The victim told the jury the pair had been out for a “business dinner,” sharing two bottles of wine at Malaga Tapas in Clarkston before heading to Maxwells Bar and then the manse on Eaglesham Road to call a taxi.

“I agreed to go across to the manse to call a taxi,” he said. “Stephen turned to open a bottle of port which I declined and asked for water which he got from the fridge. The way I was feeling started to physically change. My temperature went through the roof, I couldn’t regulate my temperature at all.

“I said I needed air and he took me out the back door. He put his hand down the front of my trousers and tried to masturbate me. I recall coming to on a sofa and he was attempting to perform oral sex on me. I stood up, I felt physically sick. I was then sick while standing up, he kept saying, ‘I’m so sorry.’ He stripped me down and led me to a shower.”

The man described how Baillie stood “squirting shower gel on him” before drying him and assaulting him again. “He was very insistent on drying me, he knocked his head against my genitals and attempted oral sex again,” he told the jury. “He ran his hands a few times over my buttocks and placed his finger on my anus… I was feeling broken, feeling a lack of energy.”

The victim’s partner told the jury the couple have been attending therapy as a result of the “traumatising” incident, which has also caused intimacy issues between them.

Baillie, a priest for 36 years who served churches in Greenock, Paisley, Clarkston and Eaglesham, denied the charge. He has no previous convictions.

Defence agent Brian Fitzpatrick asked for background reports and continued bail. Sheriff Eoin McGinty adjourned sentencing for reports and allowed bail to continue to “allow him to put his affairs in order.”

Baillie was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will return to court for sentencing next month. He has been removed from his role as Parish Priest.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Paisley said:

“The Diocese of Paisley notes the conviction of Canon Stephen Baillie, a former priest of the Diocese, for the sexual assault of an adult man.

“The offence was reported directly to Police Scotland by the complainer, and the Diocese was not approached prior to the police investigation. 

“As the complainer was not identified as a child or vulnerable adult, the case does not fall within the Church’s safeguarding procedures as defined under national safeguarding policy. 

“The Diocese nevertheless recognises that the conduct established in court represents behaviour incompatible with the standards expected of ordained ministry and commends the courage of those who came forward to report the matter and participate in what has been a long and painful process.

“A canonical process, which was previously initiated pending the court’s decision, will now resume so the diocese can consider what action to take. Following his conviction, he has been removed from his role as Parish Priest.

“The diocese continues to work to foster a culture of care, through a shared commitment to creating and sustaining safe church environments. We also renew our pledge to offer shelter, support, and compassion to anyone harmed by the Church and to walk with them on the path to healing.”

Description

A man has been jailed for eight years for a serious sexual assault in Glasgow.

Mohand Mageed, 26, attacked a woman in Glasgow city centre on the evening of Sunday, 9 February, 2025.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, 18 March, 2026, after previously being found guilty on Monday, 16 February, 2026.

Mageed has also been given a lifetime non-harassment order in respect of the victim.

Detective Inspector Shirley Coyle said:

“This was a shocking attack on a young woman in a busy city centre. Mageed is a dangerous individual who now faces the consequences of his actions.

“We welcome this sentencing and I would like to thank the woman for her courage in reporting this crime to us and throughout our investigation.

“We remain committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”

Description

A man befriended schoolboys through a messaging app then coerced them to perform sex acts in exchange for Xbox codes. 

Ross Brogan, 31, from Glasgow, bombarded four teenage victims with indecent communications and obscene videos then offered payment if they would reciprocate. 

The High Court in Glasgow heard that the software engineer befriended the boys – all aged under 16 - via the social media app, Snapchat - and quickly tried to exploit their ‘friendships’ for his own gratification. 

Prosecutors told how he demanded intimate images and videos of the victims in return for Xbox or PlayStation codes which allow users to make purchases via their games console. 

He also left sex toys at a pre-arranged drop off point, instructing that they be used in indecent photos and footage which should be sent to him.  

He threatened to hurt the family of one boy if he didn’t obey. 

Brogan pled guilty to six sexual offences charges, all involving schoolboys, at a hearing last month. 

Returning to court for sentencing today (3 Feb), he was given 10 years and six months imprisonment, with a further three-year sentence extension during which time he will be subject to close monitoring and supervision. 

His name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.  

It is a priority for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to tackle this kind of offending against children. 

Procurator Fiscal Faye Cook said:

“Ross Brogan’s behaviour was predatory and despicable. 

“He targeted young boys and exploited them for his own depraved ends. 

“Our thoughts are with the children and their loved ones as they attempt to move on with their lives. 

“COPFS is committed to protect children and prosecute robustly those who harm – or mean to harm – young people.  We will seek justice using every tool at our disposal. 

“Anyone with knowledge or experience of similar offending is encouraged to come forward, report it and seek support.” 

Description

A dating app rapist who conned and abused seven women targeted ten more after being freed from prison to await trial.

Ryan McVeigh, 32, used multiple aliases to inflict sexual, financial, and emotional abuse, devastating victims' lives.

The serial fraudster pled guilty to 38 charges in November at Glasgow's High Court, but a Sunday Mail investigation revealed officials missed a chance to stop him in 2023. He appeared in court on November 24, charged with serious domestic abuse, and was remanded—only to be freed five days later at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court due to a lack of evidence, later admitted as a mistake.

McVeigh then targeted 10 more women, conning them out of £55,250 and raping one before his July 2024 arrest. Overall, he admitted defrauding 17 victims of £81,872 and raping two over 12 months.

One anonymous victim criticized the system: "He has ruined so many women’s lives. But being pulled into court didn’t deter him, he actually got worse. I just feel so many women have been failed by the criminal justice system that had a chance to stop him."

Opposition politicians demanded an urgent review of bail procedures, accusing the Scottish Government of cost-cutting via the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act—effective May 14—which eases release for accused violent offenders to reduce remand numbers, potentially risking women's safety.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance insisted the changes allow remand "where victims’ safety is put at risk."

McVeigh targeted vulnerable women via Tinder and Bumble, often those escaping abuse, unemployed, or scam survivors. Using fake names like Gary Stephenson, he conned one out of £18,000 via loans and gambling accounts, then raped her posing as "Paul Justin." He lied to police, claiming to be South African.

Another victim, told he had terminal prostate cancer, arranged his funeral and lost £38,000. Others were defrauded of £8,500 and £4,000.

Judge Lady Drummond said: "The scale of your deception, coercion and abuse which you inflicted is staggering. I have received four impact statements, and I may get more. Those who have written describe how devastating the impact of your behaviour has had, placing them in constant fear and financial ruin."

Sentencing, adjourned for a psychiatric report on McVeigh's gambling issues, is set for March.

Description

Officers have been praised by prosecutors for their determination in rescuing a woman hidden in a property who had been abducted and sexually assaulted by a man in Glasgow in August 2023.

52-year-old Sohail Ahmed appeared at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, 17 December, 2025, for sentencing after being found guilty following a trial on Monday, 3 March, 2025.

He was made subject to an order of lifelong restriction and must serve a minimum of nine years in prison.

He has also been granted non harassment orders in respect of his victims and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

In December 2022, Ahmed took his first victim to a flat in Glasgow where he seriously sexually assaulted her and tried to prevent her from leaving.

In August 2023, Ahmed took his second victim to the flat and subjected her to the same ordeal.

Her friend became concerned for her whereabouts and contacted police.

When officers attended, Ahmed initially denied seeing the woman and was actively trying to hide her within the property, which was a chaotic scene, in a state of severe disarray, with rubbish piled high from floor to ceiling.

Detective Inspector Danny Clark, Greater Glasgow Rape Investigation Unit, said:

“Ahmed went to extreme lengths to hide his guilt and denied any knowledge of his second victim, but our officers knew something was not right and refused to give up when he claimed he was alone. They reviewed crucial CCTV footage which proved the victim had entered the property and not left.

“Officers carried out a meticulous search and thankfully found her. I commend these officers for their determination to help this woman and bring Ahmed to justice for his despicable actions. There is no doubt this was a harrowing experience for the women involved.

"I hope today's sentence brings a sense of closure to those involved.

"Anyone who has been a victim of such crimes is urged to come forward and report it to us.

“We’re committed to fully investigating and bringing those responsible in front of the courts. I want to reassure you, we have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”

Description

A rapist who targeted three women during a campaign of serious sexual offending lasting just over a month has been jailed.  

Mihai-Nicolae Patran was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and sexual exposure following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.  

Prosecutors played CCTV footage which showed the 34-year-old travelling on a train between Perth and Stirling on 22 October 2023. 

He went on to indecently expose himself while seated in a busy carriage and in the presence of a 19-year-old woman.  

The teenager was able to alert the conductor with the police subsequently called.   

Just weeks later, on 26 November 2023, Patran emerged from an alleyway and attacked a 29-year-old woman as she walked along Mitchell Street in Glasgow. 

He blocked her from leaving an enclosed doorway and raped her. 

Patran was later arrested and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court where he sexually assaulted a third female on 28 November 2023. 

Prosecutors used a variety of evidence, including CCTV, mobile phone footage, DNA, and witness accounts to build a compelling case against the offender, who did not know any of the victims.  

He was convicted of all three charges on 14 October 2025. 

On 10 November 2025, at the High Court in Glasgow, Patran, of Romania, was given a 12-year extended sentence with nine years in custody

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.  

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said:  

“Mihai-Nicolae Patran poses a significant danger to women and is a sexual opportunist who offends in high-risk situations.  

“The prosecution identified and drew together multiple strands of evidence, including CCTV footage, which supported the harrowing accounts given by all three victims.  

“This conviction would not have been possible without these women, and I hope it brings some comfort that Patran has now been held accountable.  

“This type of stranger offending, while rare, will not be tolerated and Scotland’s prosecutors will continue to fully support those affected as we seek to secure justice.”  

Description

A former Glasgow Clyde College student who admitted possessing over 2,600 child abuse images—claiming he was the victim of a "cyber attack by a hostile nation"—was sentenced after spending two years on remand.

Jack Marshall, 32, avoided further punishment after police found the material at his Symington home in December 2022, including images of a child aged eight being sexually abused by a man dressed as a clown.

The content depicted children aged 4 to 12, with 1,499 category A images (the most severe), 413 category B, and 699 category C.

Marshall pleaded guilty at Ayr Sheriff Court, where he had appeared over 30 times and gone through several solicitors. He previously ranted in the dock that he was "the victim of a crime," alleging a "cyber attack" from a hostile nation.

The court heard he echoed The Who guitarist Pete Townshend's defense; Townshend was placed on the sex offenders register in 2003 after admitting to accessing a child abuse website for "research" to "write a book."

Returning for sentencing, Marshall told the Advertiser "it was a cyber attack," claiming he was "a journalist" with a "movie deal." His social work reports were described as "not good."

A Crown prosecutor explained that police searched Marshall's home after receiving information about a device linked to child exploitation images. Devices seized included a mobile phone, laptop, and USB stick from his bedroom.

"Indecent images were found on the USB stick, and the accused was arrested and conveyed to Kilmarnock police office," the fiscal depute said. "He stated it belonged to him and he was then cautioned and charged."

Across the devices, over 2,600 still and moving images were recovered. A keyword search revealed queries for "lolita," a child sexual abuse term.

Graphic descriptions of the images were read in court but deemed too horrific for publication.

Marshall's solicitor said his client did not wish to hear the descriptions ahead of the plea, adding: "It is his position that there is no underlying deviancy. He was brought to this area in the same way that a celebrated rockstar [Townshend] was once brought in."

Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart acknowledged awareness of that case.

The solicitor continued: "This case has brought great stress. He wishes to apologise, not limited to all members of the court service when he has appeared, but to me for his occasional brisk manner."

Marshall later returned to court for posting lists of Russian names to Symington neighbors.

Sheriff Mactaggart sentenced him to 12 months of supervision and placement on the sex offenders register for the same period. He was admonished on the other charge.

Marshall muttered "ridiculous" as he left the dock a free man.

Previously, one solicitor, Mark Dunbar, told the court it was his "estimation" that Marshall was "seriously psychologically unwell." Another mentioned claims he was "in the CIA," which Marshall denied to the Advertiser.

The Crown was ready for trial on December 16 last year after another solicitor withdrew.

Marshall said: "On February 23, 2023, I informed Police Scotland I had been the victim of a crime, a cyber attack by a hostile nation."

Complaining in court—"you just chucked my lawyer out"—Sheriff Desmond Leslie clarified: "I've not, she left."

Marshall added: "I've not been provided defence evidence for my trial date, I am utterly appalled by the behaviour of the courts."

Sheriff Leslie noted: "You have been in custody almost two years."

Marshall claimed: "I'm an investigative journalist as well - I studied at Glasgow Clyde College."

Description

A MAN who admitted sexually assaulting a 'vulnerable' woman alone in her home has been jailed.

Shahzaib Hassan was also added to the sex offenders register for 10 years after pleading guilty to attacking the victim in Dalrymple.

The 26-year-old was heard to have been previously 'denied responsibility' to social workers - after he admitted pushing his hands between her body and arms and touching her breasts during the incident on December 21, 2023.

An allegation that he also massaged her shoulders and arms, knowing she did not want this to happen, was deleted from the same charge, in a plea deal with prosecutors.

Sentencing was previously deferred for criminal justice social work reports and a risk assessment for Hassan, of High Croft Avenue, Glasgow.

When he returned to court, Sheriff Shirley Foran said she was "concerned of denials" in background reports, with "comments attributed" that were "completely contradictory" to his plea.

The court heard Hassan was "due to be married in his home country". Sheriff Foran added: "I want him to be in this country."

Sentencing had to be deferred again, with the offender then being abroad on the previous calling.

When he returned to court on March 25, his solicitor said: "He had been dreadfully embarrassed in front of social work and spoke stupidly.

"He is positive he was not factually correct [in denying responsibility].

"He accepts this was an offence he did intentionally and no accident.

"He tells me he would adhere to any non-custodial disposal.

"He is embarrassed by his conduct and expressly asked me to convey his apologies to the court as well as the victim."

Sheriff Foran said: "This woman allowed you entry and you attacked her in her home when alone and vulnerable. I see little remorse.

"I consider this predatory behaviour requires to be marked by a custodial sentence."

He was jailed for 36 weeks, discounted from 40 after his guilty plea.

The sheriff added: "You will now be subject to sex offender notification requirements for 10 years."

Description

A CUMNOCK sex offender caught with child abuse images and secretly-recorded films in toilet cubicles and school changing rooms has avoided jail.

Greg Richard was placed under strict supervision and will have his internet usage and any relationships monitored by the authorities after he admitted possessing indecent photos of youngsters, including a child being seriously sexually assaulted.

The 21-year-old, now of Bellgrove Street, Calton, Glasgow, also pleaded guilty to making voyeuristic images of males sitting in toilet cubicles and 'in school uniform' secretly recorded while they were getting changed.

The camera-shy creep previously hid in the male toilets at Ayr Sheriff Court from the Chronicle’s reporter for more than an hour, after he pleaded guilty last month.

The court heard Richard had since shown a 'high level of remorse'.

Procurator fiscal depute Alasdair Millar previously told the court that police officers attended Richard's then home in Kyle Court, Cumnock on June 1, 2023, with a search warrant.

A number of devices were recovered and amongst the sexually explicit material found, there were 117 unique still images, 114 of which were accessible. They showed males aged from four to 16.

Forty-three moving images were found on both devices, all accessible, with ages ranging from three to 16.

The descriptions of the images, including a child aged between three and five, being subjected to a serious sexual assault by an adult, are too horrific to be reported in detail.

Mr Millar added: "Regarding charge three, police found videos and voyeuristic images.

"Examples include a 55-second video in a changing room, with the camera often covered by a hand, showing various males getting changed into school uniforms.

"Next is a 110-second video in a changing room setting, again showing various males in school uniform getting changed into sportswear, focusing on one male in particular.

"A nine-second video in a classroom setting filmed under a desk shows a male in school uniform grabbing his genitals.

"They found a still image of a male sitting on a toilet using his phone taken from above a neighbouring toilet, his underwear is down below his thighs, it is not possible to determine his age.

"There is another still image in a toilet cubicle again and thereafter a video of the same thing.

"The Crown intend to destroy all of the devices."

When he returned for sentencing this week defence solicitor Christopher Large said first offender Richard "shows a high level of remorse" and self-referred to a support service.

The solicitor said: "He intends to engage in further psychological work with the organisation.

"I'm asking to impose supervision with conduct requirements.

"Mr Richard has already faced a degree of opprobrium in the community, he has lost close friends and even family as a result. He has had to leave the local area due to press coverage.

"He spoke to me of not feeling like leaving the house at all. There is a degree of pillorying of people for these offences.

"He will always carry negative press coverage and disgust at the offences, Google his name, that's what comes up.

"In my submission, the level of disapproval shown by those close to him and the public mitigates the sentence to a degree.

"The quantity of images is relatively low. I think he knows the wrong this harm causes."

Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart said: "Mr Richard I have already made clear I will step back from custody sentence.

"Moving forward you are going to have to accept the seriousness of this offending. Whatever you and others might think these are not victimless crimes.

"When photographs like this are accessed there is an industry that builds up.

"You have made significant steps forward yourself to address this, you have to continue to do so, and I need to ensure you stay on this path."

He was placed on a community payback order with supervision as an alternative to custody and must take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes programme, which aims to address such offending.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for two years.

Richard was told he must have no unsupervised contact with any children under 16, and he will have his internet use and any relationships monitored.

He will return to court for a review at a later date, with Sheriff MacTaggart adding: "If there is a positive report I will consider amending the order."

Description

The man behind the viral Willy Wonka Experience has been exposed as a sex pest who left a woman traumatised and is now on the sex offenders register.

William Coull, 36, hounded his victim at a property in Glasgow’s Darnley between March 26 and July 2 2024.

Description

A Glasgow sex offender kept his past secret as he accepted a job to work in schools.

John Paul Hogg had been jailed in 2011 and later banned indefinitely from any role involving children. But, a decade later, the 46 year-old went on to take up the offer by an educational IT firm for a post that included "unsupervised" work in schools.

Hogg did not reveal his previous conviction - and it was only when background checks were made that it emerged at the last minute.

Hogg has now narrowly avoided a jail term as he appeared in the dock at Glasgow Sheriff Court. He pleaded guilty to a charge under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act.

The date of the offence was March 1, 2022.

Hogg, of the city's Sandyhills, was ordered to carry out unpaid work as a concerned sheriff told him: "You should have been well aware of these restrictions."

Hogg had been locked up for 12 months in 2011 for a sex offence. He was later barred from "regulated work" with children indefinitely. Fiscal Lauren Donnelly said it was also explained to him that it was an offence to seek or do a job which involved this.

In 2021, he was temporarily employed as a service desk engineer with a company called RM Education. They work with the educational sector including providing technology and software. His line manager told him there was a full time post for that job with schools.

Miss Donnelly said: "He advised he thought he would be suitable for the role and asked if Hogg would consider applying." It was explained to Hogg that the role could involve "on-site" work which was "unsupervised".

This then meant Hogg would have to apply to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme given the type of job it was. Hogg said he was interested and accepted the offer. He was also given a PVG application to complete.

In March 2022, Disclosure Scotland - who makes checks on individuals being recruited for certain jobs - later reviewed this and it was only then discovered Hogg was "barred from regulated work with children".

Hogg was told the PVG application had been rejected.

The fiscal: "He was asked by (his line manager) if he was aware why this would have happened. He explained he was barred from regulated work with children.

"Hogg was asked why he did not make them aware of this. He stated: 'People always say they will do a check, but they do not'."

Hogg was initially suspended before being fired by RM Education. Disclosure Scotland went on to contact police.

He was charged in November 2022 and claimed: "In my job, we had no contact with children." Hogg's lawyer told the court the latest offence came from a "genuine misunderstanding" on his part.

Ciara Bradley, defending, said Hogg had been put on the sex offenders register for 10 years and this had ended in December 2021.

Miss Bradley: "He thought he was no longer required to disclose this offence to future employers.

"The company took on contracts with other agencies and entered into a contract with a school. That is when he was required to submit an application. He did so as he thought the requirements had ended."

Hogg was now said to have "turned his life around" and had another job in technology.

Sheriff Collete Gallagher said the offence "crossed the custody threshold", but she instead told Hogg to carry out 108 hours of unpaid work as part of an 18-month community payback order.

She stated: "Legalities are put in place to protect vulnerable people including children.

"Ignorance is no excuse for this matter. The fact you had a number of opportunities to disclose your previous conviction is a concern as is your attitude.

"I consider that this lack of insight presents a risk to the community."

Hogg was told again he should have no contact with children without permission from a supervising officer. He also has to declare "any romantic relationships" and get permission before he changes address.