Move comes after
An East Kilbride dad caught with photos and videos showing children being sexually abused has avoided a prison sentence.
IT manager Graham Cuthbert was put under supervision for two years on Thursday and placed on the sex offenders register for the same period.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard he was away on holiday when his former Hairmyres home was raided by police officers acting on information from the national online child abuse prevention body.
Cuthbert, 56, admitted possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography at the family home in Strathconon Gardens and elsewhere between October 2010 and September last year.
Vish Kathuria, prosecuting, said Cuthbert, a first offender, lived at the address with his wife, two sons and a daughter.
The sons were present when police officers arrived in the early hours of September 4 2018.
They carried out a“systematic” search and images were recovered from computer equipment belonging to Cuthbert.
There were 85 photos and five videos of children being abused during the search, plus 29 images depicting bestiality.
The children featured were both male and female, with their ages thought to range from three years old to 14.
Mr Kathuria added:“The police were told Cuthbert was on holiday and not due to return until September 7.
“When officers eventually contacted him he gave a‘No comment’ interview.”
Defence agent Matthew Berlow said Cuthbert, now of Phillips Wynd, Hamilton, was assessed by social workers as being at a low risk of offending again.
Sheriff Thomas Millar imposed a number of restrictions on Cuthbert’s internet use while he is under supervision.
The sheriff also banned him from contact with children under the age of 16 without the approval of his supervising officer.
NICOLA FINDLAY
A Forum to tackle anti-social behaviour and disorder linked to a Village homeless unit met for the first time.
The News highlighted the huge amount of police resources tied up with Lindsay House and in particular the YPeople project – with cops called to the facility almost 700 times in two years to deal with boozed-up residents and drug related disorder.
And after an outcry from residents and businesses, local politicians and the community council called for action to tackle the issue once and for all.
Following coverage by the News the number of residents at the YPeople, project, which helps those with additional support needs including addictions and mental heath issues, was decreased and it is understood staffing levels have also increased.
The Forum instigated by East Kilbride MSP, Linda Fabiani, saw politicians, police, community council representatives, YPeople and officers from SLC – who operate emergency accommodation in part of Lindsay House – and local businesses meet.
All parties say disorder has decreased in recent weeks at Lindsay House and in the Village.
Linda Fabiani said: “I was pleased to facilitate the first of planned Forum meetings in the Village.
“It was certainly worthwhile and there was a frank and full discussion with agreement to move forward on this basis.
“It was noted that there has been a marked decrease in anti-social behaviour in the Village, probably due to everyone working together in such a way.”
YPeople CEO, Janet Haugh: “We are proud of our life changing services and of our skilled and passionate staff team, who work tirelessly to help people going through some of the hardest times in their life.
“In the past 12 months, our Pathways service has helped 130 people in South Lanarkshire overcome tough times and transition out of homelessness. We believe that everyone deserves a home to call their own, and remain committed to ending homelessness in South Lanarkshire.
“YPeople welcome having the opportunity to work closely with local residents and traders in East Kilbride.
“Having been an important part of the local community for almost 20 years, hearing and responding to feedback is important to us.
“The meeting went well, and we look forward to working closely with the group to further strengthen our ties with the local community over the coming months.”
Chair of East Mains Community Council, Bill Arthur, said: “The meeting went well and there has been a good deal of progress.
“There were a lot of good points put forward and things seem to be moving in the right direction but we will continue to monitor the situation.”