Over 3500 indecent images found on multiple devices
MIKE MCQUAID
An East Kilbride pervert worked as a lifeguard at a local gym as he collected thousands of indecent images of kids online.
Appearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday, Kieran Madden admitted hoarding 3600 sordid images between October 2014 and February last year.
Cops found horrific stills and videos of child abuse images on electronic devices after raiding his parents’ Pirnmill Avenue home.
The 22-year-old’s Facebook page shows he started work as a lifeguard at Larkhall Leisure Centre in October 2016.
In April 2017, he then moved onto working at the Nuffield Health Centre in East Kilbride – both times when he was feeding his horrible predilection.
Prosecuting, Michael Macintosh, told how police obtained a search warrant after a tip-off that indecent material had been uploaded to a device connected with the accused.
Madden’s mother and another family member were at home when officers arrived.
Court heard how Madden had just left for work, but was contacted and returned while a “systematic” search was being carried out. He gave officers passwords to various devices.
Mr Macintosh said around 3600 photographs and videos depicting abuse of children aged between one and 15 were recovered. The combined running time of the videos was five and a half hours.
Mr Macintosh added: “Google search terms were found which were consistent with searching for indecent images of children.
“The accused spoke freely but denied possession of indecent images.”
Defence agent Andy Thomson said Madden, a first offender, had been in a state of denial.
He told Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen: “This is an anxious case.
“My client appears to come from a very respectable family. His mum and dad are in court today.
“There has been, in effect, a breakdown and he realises he is in desperate need of help.”
Sheriff MacFadyen ordered a criminal justice social work report and a risk assessment, deferring sentence until March 5.
Madden, who remains on bail, was placed on the sex offenders register.
Nuffield Health told the News that lawful checks, including disclosure checks, are carried out on all staff ahead of starting work with them.
A spokesman said: “Kieran Madden completed an enhanced check and was cleared before he began working for Nuffield Health, which was valid until he resigned in January 2019.
“We act against employees convicted of a criminal offence – including suspension or dismissal, as appropriate.
“Nuffield Health was not notified of any changes of circumstances while Mr Madden was in our employment.”