ALEXANDER MCCULLOUGH FROM GREENOCK FACES SERIOUS CHARGES AFTER POLICE DISCOVER CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Greenock, Alexander McCullough, a 48-year-old man with a troubling criminal history, appeared in court to face serious allegations involving child sexual abuse images. The charges stem from an incident where police seized his mobile phone at his residence on Lansbury Street on February 9 of the previous year. During the forensic examination of the device at a police laboratory, authorities uncovered a distressing image depicting sexual abuse of a young female, who prosecutors believe to be approximately 10 years old.

McCullough, who was already under strict legal restrictions, appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court from custody to admit to possessing the illicit image. His criminal record is extensive, and prosecutors have expressed concerns that he poses a significant threat to young females within the town. The case is particularly alarming given McCullough’s history of anti-social behavior and previous convictions.

In August 2014, McCullough had already admitted to possessing a child sexual abuse photograph on his phone. The police had found the image during a search at his home, and he was subsequently charged. The authorities revealed that McCullough was subject to a unique Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), which banned him from any contact with women, making him the only individual in Scotland with such a restriction. This order was intended to protect women from potential harm, but concerns about his dangerous behavior persisted.

Further complicating his case, McCullough was jailed in January after admitting to his fourth weapons-related offence. Prior to that, in September, he had been imprisoned for sending threatening text messages to a woman in Greenock, stating his intentions to sexually assault her and harm her family members, including her children. These incidents highlight a pattern of violent and predatory behavior that has raised alarm among law enforcement and the community alike.

Following the discovery of the child abuse image, police obtained a second search warrant, which led to the discovery of a folder containing a list of sexual activities involving children. Depute fiscal Pamela Brady explained that this evidence was indicative of McCullough’s sexual interests in minors. The police also found a piece of paper with detailed references to sexual acts involving children, further implicating him in ongoing criminal activity.

Despite his criminal record, McCullough was granted bail on July 29, 2013, with strict conditions including a ban on internet access and unsupervised contact with anyone under 16. However, police later raised additional concerns, leading prosecutors to petition for his bail to be revoked. Sheriff Thomas McCartney ordered his re-arrest, and despite an appeal by McCullough’s solicitor, Gerry Keenan, the High Court upheld the decision, and McCullough has remained in custody since.

During bail hearings, Mr. Keenan argued that McCullough’s record did not contain any similar offences and emphasized that the current charge involved only a single image. However, prosecutor Pamela Brady highlighted the serious concerns regarding his potential danger to young females, especially considering his previous breaches of bail conditions, failure to attend court, and convictions related to domestic assault and weapons offenses.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton refused to grant bail again, citing McCullough’s history of breaking previous orders and the risk he posed to the community. The court has ordered a comprehensive background report, and McCullough is scheduled for sentencing later this month. The case continues to draw attention to the ongoing issues of child protection and community safety in Greenock.