DAVID SHIELDS FROM LANARKSHIRE CAUGHT WITH OVER 100 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AND VIDEOS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community in Lanarkshire, David Shields, a paediatric nurse with a long history of working with children, was found to be in possession of a significant number of indecent images and videos depicting child abuse. The investigation revealed that Shields had downloaded a total of 108 such illicit files, which included some of the most severe categories of child exploitation, notably Category A, indicating the most serious level of abuse.

Shields, who was employed as a nurse within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in Lanarkshire at the time of his arrest, was convicted of these crimes following a jury trial. The court proceedings uncovered that he had been involved in this illegal activity over an extended period, raising serious concerns about the safety of the children depicted in the images and videos.

Prior to his conviction at Airdrie Sheriff Court in March 2018, Shields made a chilling statement to nursing regulators, declaring that he would “mutilate and kill anyone he caught abusing a child.” This declaration underscored the severity of his intentions and the potential danger he posed.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) conducted an inquiry into Shields’ conduct after his criminal charges came to light. During the investigation, it was revealed that Shields had relocated from Scotland to England following the discovery of his offences. The NMC was informed that the illegal activities spanned a considerable period, with a significant portion of the images—approximately 20%—classified as the most serious category of abuse.

Shields’ career in healthcare began in 1974 at Garloch Hospital in Glasgow. He later moved to Victoria Hospital in Blackpool, where he worked within paediatric units, gaining extensive experience in caring for children. His professional journey then took him abroad to Saudi Arabia, where he spent several years working with children as well. After returning to the UK in 2000 with his family, Shields worked as an agency nurse before securing a position with the MOD.

Despite his long-standing career, Shields’ criminal conviction on March 18, 2018, for possessing indecent images and videos of children marked a turning point. The jury found him guilty of these charges, which starkly contrasted with his role as a healthcare professional dedicated to the well-being of children.

Following the conviction, the NMC decided to remove Shields from the nursing register, citing the gravity of his crimes and the clear incompatibility with the responsibilities of a registered nurse. The NMC issued a statement emphasizing that Shields’ criminal record was so serious that it was deemed inappropriate for him to continue practicing as a nurse, thereby protecting the integrity of the profession and the safety of the public.