DUNDEE POLICE OFFICER AVOIDS JAIL FOR DEPRAVED CALLS
Iain Ledger, a police officer serving in the family protection unit in Tayside, escaped jail after making 11 inappropriate phone calls to a chatline, during which he described sexual acts with a child.The sheriff noted that Ledger’s actions could have compromised delicate investigations conducted by Tayside Police.
Having pleaded guilty to the charges, Ledger was placed on probation and ordered to attend a sex offenders group program.
Ledger, who was working at the Tayside Police office in Dundee at the time, was described as a respected member of the force but was suspended following the incident.
His solicitor explained that Ledger was under considerable stress due to the traumatic nature of his job.
The offending calls, made between November 5 and December 12, 2010, came to light after a moderator from a gay chatline detected a disturbing reference to a child in a recorded message Ledger left after an evening out.
Authorities reviewed recordings of 11 private conversations in which Ledger detailed sexual acts involving a child.
With over 20 years of service, Ledger was recognized by colleagues from his voice on the recordings.
His defense argued that he was drinking during the calls but was not intoxicated.
The sheriff ordered Ledger to provide itemized phone statements quarterly and allowed social workers to access his computers without warning.
The judge expressed regret that Ledger’s actions had brought shame to the police and questioned his reliability as a witness in sensitive cases.
It was noted that his behavior was motivated by sexual gratification.
The court acknowledged the suffering caused to his family and colleagues but opted for a non-custodial sentence, instead awarding probation and participation in a sex offender treatment program.
