ALISTAIR FISHER CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORN IN HAMILTON AVOIDS PRISON SENTENCE

In October 2018, a serious case involving Alistair Fisher, a known sex offender from Hamilton, unfolded when authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of child abuse images on his electronic devices. The incident took place during a routine police check at Fisher’s residence on Windmill Road, where officers discovered that he possessed 33 indecent images of minors stored on his iPad.

Fisher, aged 37 at the time, was not only found with these illicit images but also admitted to downloading them between June 11 and June 14 of that year. The court heard that Fisher was currently on the sex offenders’ register, which prompted a visit from police officers from the offenders management unit to verify his compliance with the register’s strict conditions.

According to prosecutor Callum Forsyth, the police officers conducted an inspection of Fisher’s electronic devices after he permitted them entry into his home. However, during the process, officers became suspicious of his behavior. Fisher went to his bedroom to retrieve his devices, which included an iPad and a mobile phone. During this exchange, he appeared anxious and was observed attempting to delete content from his phone before handing it over to the officers.

When questioned about his actions, Fisher claimed that he had been viewing various types of pornography, which did little to dispel suspicion. The police noted his nervousness and the suspicious nature of his attempts to erase data. As a result, the officers seized the devices for further examination.

Following the discovery, Fisher was taken into custody and appeared before Hamilton Sheriff Court. Sheriff Shiona Waldron ordered that Fisher be placed under supervision and added his name to the sex offenders’ register for a period of three years. Additionally, she mandated that he complete 200 hours of unpaid community service as part of his sentence.

Prior to this incident, Fisher had already been convicted of similar offenses, which underscores the ongoing concerns about his conduct. The court also considered the possibility of imposing a sexual offences prevention order, which would impose six strict conditions aimed at preventing any future offending. The judge deferred sentencing until October 1, pending background reports and a risk assessment, but Fisher remained in custody during this period.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Hamilton to monitor and control individuals on the sex offenders’ register, especially those found in possession of illegal images of minors. The authorities continue to emphasize the importance of strict supervision and preventative measures to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.