DAVID WHITEHEAD SENTENCED IN CUMBERNAULD FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES AND HIDDEN CAMERA SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cumbernauld, a former taxi driver named David Whitehead, aged 53, has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after being found guilty of possessing a large collection of child sexual abuse images. The criminal proceedings unfolded at Airdrie Sheriff Court, where Whitehead admitted to a series of serious offenses involving indecent images of children and the covert installation of a hidden camera in his vehicle.

Authorities launched a raid on Whitehead’s residence in Cumbernauld following a credible tip-off, leading to the discovery of an alarming cache of digital material. Investigators uncovered a total of 2,503 photographs and 1,529 videos, many of which contained extremely graphic and depraved footage depicting abuse at the most severe level. The evidence revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation and a prolonged period of offending spanning over a decade.

Further investigations revealed that Whitehead had taken steps to secretly record passengers in his taxi. It was established that he had installed a hidden camera within his vehicle, specifically to capture images of individuals under their clothing. This device was in operation between August and September 2013, and its presence was part of a broader pattern of predatory behavior.

During the court proceedings, Whitehead pleaded guilty to charges of taking or permitting the taking of indecent images of children, with the offenses occurring between August 2005 and August 2017. His admission also included the illegal installation and use of the hidden camera in his taxi during the specified period.

Sheriff Derek O’Carroll presided over the case and sentenced Whitehead to 22 months in prison. The sheriff also ordered that Whitehead be placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of 10 years. In delivering the sentence, Sheriff O’Carroll emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “The placing of the camera with the view to take images of those using your taxi and also the fact that you were in a position of trust which you abused by placing it to take indecent images means there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”

He further remarked, “Taking into account the length of time you were involved in taking indecent images of children, some 12 years, and the large number at category A, which is the most serious and depraved images, there is also no alternative to custody.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting children from exploitation and abuse.