ALISTAIR MACLEOD SENTENCED IN STIRLING FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENSES

In a recent court hearing held at Stirling Sheriff Court, Alistair Macleod, a 43-year-old resident of Stirling, was formally sentenced to a prison term of one year and four months after admitting to the possession and download of indecent images involving children. The charges stemmed from activities that took place at his residence on Cowane Street, where he engaged in the illicit collection of such material between July 1, 2018, and September 25, 2020.

During the proceedings last Wednesday, Macleod appeared before Sheriff Keith O’Mahony, who listened to the details of the case and the circumstances surrounding the offences. Macleod’s legal representative emphasized that his client committed these acts in private, living alone and maintaining a low profile. The lawyer also highlighted that Macleod fully recognizes the gravity of his actions and expressed remorse for his conduct.

Following his arrest, Macleod took the initiative to contact the charity Stop It Now, which specializes in child protection and prevention efforts. This action was noted by the court as a sign of his acknowledgment of the seriousness of his offences. A report prepared for the court indicated that Macleod’s social isolation played a significant role in his behavior, suggesting that his limited social interactions and solitary lifestyle may have contributed to his engagement with such material.

The legal team further argued that Macleod was not a hardened criminal and expressed concern over his fear of imprisonment. They pointed out that he demonstrated a willingness to rehabilitate and showed genuine remorse. The report recommended considering community-based sanctions, such as a community payback order coupled with restrictions on internet access, as potential alternatives to incarceration. It was also proposed that Macleod participate in the Moving Forward Making Changes program, a sex offenders’ rehabilitation scheme, which would involve supervision over a three-year period.

Despite these arguments, Sheriff O’Mahony emphasized the severity of the offences, particularly noting the nature and quantity of the images involved. The court concluded that a custodial sentence was necessary to reflect the seriousness of the crimes. Macleod’s sentence was reduced from an initial 24 months to 16 months due to his early guilty plea. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, underscoring the long-term consequences of his actions in Stirling.