We’re not taking our eyes off sex offenders during lockdown
Council insists criminals are still being monitored
Council bosses are continuing to keep a watchful eye on sex offenders during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Per ve r t s c aught and prosecuted through the courts are still being monitored in the community by supervisors who are making home visits during the social distancing measures.
Social workers are carrying out inspections on perverts, such as those convicted of downloading or distributing obscene images of youngsters who have been sexually abused.
This includes going into their properties and checking out devices capable of internet connection, like laptops, phones and tablets, as well as quizzing them about their activities, and contacts with other people in the town.
They are also keeping tabs on creeps who targeted victims by pestering them for sex, made physical advances or even sexually assaulted them.
Creep Brian McCallion hoarded horrific images of girls as young as four being sexually
Brian McCallion
abused.
McCallion, 39, was also caught with vile material showing a woman having sex with a dog when police swooped on his Renfrew address.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard was he snared with more than 5,000 indecent images and videos only six months after getting married.
He was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for three years and told that he will be supervised by the social work department.
Pervert Andrew Thomson was caught with hundreds of horrific photos and videos showing children as young as three being abused.
Thomson, 38, of Kilbarchan, downloaded and hoarded more than 1,400 pictures and films on computers at his parents’ house.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard that when Thomson was busted by cops with the vile stash of paedophilia, he blurted out: “It’s got nothing to do with my mum.”
He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for three years, and ordered he be supervised by the local authority for the same period.
The Covid- 19 pandemic has affected a whole range of council services, with many offices closed during the lockdown, including social work department offices in Paisley, where many supervisory programmes are run.
However, council bosses said they are keeping a close eye on sex offenders during the crisis.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Criminal Justice Social Work services continue to operate at this time and measures are in place to carry out supervision of offenders in line with relevant legislation while following health and government guidelines on social distancing.
“Following national guidance, Criminal Justice Social Work services continue to prioritise supervision of offenders, including home visits.
“Our Social Work team cont i nue to work wi t h our partners to discharge supervision of those subject to court orders.”