FAIFLEY MAN JAMIE SLEVIN ADMITS TO CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENSES IN DUMBARTON

In May 2018, a man from Faifley, identified as Jamie Slevin, faced serious allegations related to the possession and distribution of indecent images of minors. Slevin, aged 21 and residing on Swallow Road in Faifley, appeared before Dumbarton Sheriff Court to enter a plea concerning charges of downloading and permitting the creation of such images.

The charges stemmed from an incident that took place on April 25, 2017, involving both his residence on Swallow Road and a property located in Orbiston Place within the town. During the court proceedings, Slevin pleaded guilty to the offense of taking or allowing the taking of indecent photographs of children, a serious crime that highlights the disturbing nature of the case.

His defense lawyer, Eugene Boyle, submitted the guilty plea while Slevin stood in the dock, facing the court. Despite this admission, Slevin maintained a denial of possessing indecent images of children at his home and in Orbiston Place during the period from April 25 to June 1, 2017. The Crown, however, accepted his plea of guilt regarding the specific charges he admitted.

Prosecutor Kevin Doherty, acting as the fiscal depute, provided the court with details of the investigation. He explained that Slevin was considered a first-time offender with no prior convictions. Slevin’s initial appearance was on June 2, 2017, when he appeared privately on petition, made no plea or declaration, and was subsequently released on bail pending further inquiries.

Police officers, acting on intelligence and information suggesting that Slevin’s house on Swallow Road was a site where indecent images of children were being downloaded, executed a search warrant on June 1, 2017. During the search, officers found Slevin at his residence with his parents, and also at his other address in Orbiston Place. They seized his iPhone 5s, which Slevin admitted contained the material police were investigating, describing it as “just a fantasy thing.”

The mobile device was sent for analysis to the Police Scotland Cyber Crime Unit. The investigation uncovered nine images on Slevin’s phone, with four classified as the most severe “Category A” images, and five as Category C. All were still images, and the case included a particularly disturbing description of one of the worst images, depicting a six-year-old girl being sexually abused by an adult male.

During a police interview, Slevin made detailed admissions, confirming that he was the sole user of the phone and the search engines used. He did not respond when cautioned and charged. The court was informed of the gravity of the offense, with Mr. Doherty emphasizing the disturbing nature of the images.

Judge William Gallacher addressed Slevin directly, stating, “This is by no means trivial. Abuse of children is shocking and disgraceful.” The court decided to defer sentencing until June 1, allowing time for a criminal justice social work report and a risk assessment to evaluate the potential danger Slevin poses to the public and children. Additionally, Slevin was placed on the sex offenders register. Bail conditions were maintained, and the case remains ongoing as authorities continue their investigation into the full extent of the offense.