ANTHONY CALLAGHAN, THE BLIND SEX OFFENDER FROM AIRDRIE, JAILED FOR DEFYING COURT ORDERS

In a recent development at Airdrie Sheriff Court, Anthony Callaghan, a 26-year-old man from Airdrie who is legally blind, faced the consequences of his blatant disregard for court-imposed restrictions. Callaghan, who is currently detained at Barlinnie Prison, appeared before the court last week, transported in handcuffs and accompanied by a security officer. He was guided up the courtroom stairs from the holding cells with the assistance of a white cane and was wearing dark glasses, emphasizing his visual impairment.

The court proceedings revealed that on September 22, 2010, a court order was issued specifically to restrict Callaghan’s movements and interactions. This order prohibited him from approaching, communicating with, or having any form of contact—whether direct or indirect—with any child under the age of 16. Additionally, the order barred him from entering public parks, children’s play areas, leisure centres, and the grounds of schools or nurseries, aiming to protect vulnerable minors from potential harm.

Despite these strict restrictions, the court was informed of a serious breach. It was reported that Callaghan had developed a relationship with a woman residing in Airdrie. On February 14 of the previous year, he was found inside her residence on Drumgelloch Street. During his stay, two children under the age of five were present in the house. Callaghan remained there overnight and only left the premises at around 10 a.m. the following morning. The breach was uncovered only after someone alerted the woman to Callaghan’s status as a registered sex offender, prompting her to contact the police.

The court heard that Callaghan had been subject to the court order for a period of one year, yet the woman was unaware of his status as a registered sex offender at the time of his visit. His legal representative, Paul Belardo, argued that his client had established a “friendly relationship” with the woman, which he claimed was not malicious but rather a social connection.

However, Sheriff Frank Pierri was unequivocal in his assessment of the case. He stated, “In my view, you present a serious risk, and that’s demonstrated by the fact you broke this order so soon after it was implemented.” Recognizing the gravity of the breach and the potential danger posed, the sheriff sentenced Callaghan to a prison term of two years.

In a separate, unrelated case, John Murray, a 48-year-old resident of Addiewell Place in Coatbridge, was also brought before the court. Murray was convicted of possessing indecent images of children, either by taking, permitting to be taken, or creating such images at his home address. Sheriff John Morris QC ordered Murray to undertake 100 hours of unpaid community work and placed him on probation for two years, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and community safety.