OWEN HANLEY BATHGATE PAEDOPHILE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE SICK CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bathgate, Owen Hanley, a man with a dark secret, was found in possession of highly disturbing and illegal images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. The case came to light after police investigations revealed the extent of his involvement in viewing and possessing such heinous material.

In January 2021, Hanley appeared before Livingston Sheriff Court to face charges related to the possession of indecent images of children. He had pleaded guilty to possessing a total of 53 still photographs and four videos, all of which depicted young girls aged between six months and 12 years being subjected to sexual abuse. The images and videos were classified into categories based on severity, with some being rated as the most severe forms of abuse, including penetrative acts involving very young children.

The investigation was initiated after authorities received a tip-off indicating that Hanley's online activity involved the downloading of illegal images. Police officers executed a search warrant at his residence on Crosshill Drive, Bathgate, early on a Monday morning, specifically on November 2nd of that year. When they arrived at his home at approximately 9 am, Hanley was present and reportedly told officers, “You’ll find things on there,” referring to his laptop computer.

During a forensic examination of Hanley's computer, investigators uncovered a disturbing collection of material. The analysis revealed 53 still images, categorized from A to C, with Category A representing the most severe and graphic forms of abuse. Additionally, four videos, rated from A to B, were recovered. The most disturbing images showed explicit sexual acts involving very young children, including penetrative sexual behavior, as detailed by the deputy fiscal Connor Muir.

Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, Hanley was not present in court for sentencing. Instead, Sheriff Martin Edington delivered his judgment in Hanley's absence. The sheriff emphasized the seriousness of such offences, stating that crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children are always considered grave and deserving of severe punishment.

As part of his sentence, Hanley was ordered to complete an 18-month community payback order, which includes supervision by social services. The sheriff warned that if Hanley failed to adhere to the conditions of this order, he would be summoned back to court and could face imprisonment. Furthermore, Hanley's name will remain on the sex offenders’ register for a period of 18 months, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and compliance with legal restrictions.