OLD KILPATRICK MAN GEORGE MULGREW ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD ABUSE IMAGE CHARGES IN DUMBARTON

In August 2014, a 59-year-old man from Old Kilpatrick named George Mulgrew appeared before Dumbarton Sheriff Court to face serious allegations related to indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed that Mulgrew had been found in possession of a significant collection of such images and videos, which he had accessed over a period spanning from July 2012 to October of the previous year.

Police officers, acting on a warrant, arrived at Mulgrew’s residence on October 25 of the previous year. Upon arrival, they were greeted by Mulgrew himself and his wife. During a preliminary search of the computer equipment seized from the premises, evidence of indecent images of children was uncovered. Mulgrew initially told officers that he might have accessed the images by mistake, attempting to downplay the severity of his actions. However, during a subsequent interview at Clydebank Police Station, he admitted to deliberately viewing the images out of curiosity over a period of approximately two years.

Authorities found a total of 60 indecent still images of children, classified at various levels of severity, with some at the most severe levels. Additionally, 83 indecent videos were recovered, also spanning a range of severity levels, with images at level five being considered among the worst. Mulgrew’s wife, who was present during the police visit, stated that she had no knowledge of any indecent images and was subsequently released without charge.

During the court hearing, the prosecution, led by Anthony McGeehan, outlined the evidence against Mulgrew and emphasized the seriousness of possessing such material. The defense, represented by Judith Reid, highlighted that Mulgrew’s actions had caused considerable distress to his family. She also pointed out that Mulgrew had struggled with alcohol issues in the past but had since ceased drinking. Ms. Reid described Mulgrew as a first-time offender with no prior criminal record and argued that his actions were out of character.

Judge Eric Brown acknowledged that offenses involving child abuse images often result in imprisonment. However, given the relatively small number of images involved and Mulgrew’s lack of previous convictions, he decided to impose a non-custodial sentence. Mulgrew was placed under supervision for two years, during which he will remain on the sex offender’s register. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community service.

Following the sentencing, a man in the courtroom was escorted out after allegedly shouting “paedo” at Mulgrew from the public gallery, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the case.