PAUL HANNAH AND ROBERT AITMAN: SHOCKING LETTERS FROM DRUMCHAPEL AND GREENOCK REVEAL CHILD ABUSE PLOT

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Scottish criminal justice system, two convicted sex offenders, Paul Hannah from Drumchapel and Robert Aitman, formerly of Greenock, have been implicated in a series of illicit communications that detailed heinous plans involving children. The revelations emerged during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, where the court was presented with evidence of their blatant disregard for court-imposed restrictions and their disturbing intentions.

Both men, who had previously served time for serious sexual offences against minors, had been subject to strict Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPO). These orders were designed to prevent any contact or communication with other sex offenders and to restrict their access to children. Despite these measures, it was uncovered that over a period of nearly seven months in 2020, Hannah and Aitman engaged in secret correspondence, exchanging letters that contained graphic and disturbing content.

During the court proceedings, some of the letters were read aloud, revealing the extent of their depravity. Paul Hannah, aged 37, discussed harming a child and even went as far as to talk about 'snuffing a kid' and 'disposing' of the body, language that underscores the severity of his intentions. He also urged Aitman to attempt convincing a judge that he was 'not a danger,' indicating a possible attempt to manipulate the legal process or reduce his sentence.

Meanwhile, Robert Aitman, aged 35 and also known by the alias McNab, spoke of his online activities involving conversations with individuals who have children. He expressed nostalgia about his past companionship with Hannah, referring to himself as Hannah's 'co-pilot.' The letters also contained discussions about moving to areas like Paisley to avoid detection and to be closer to Hannah, suggesting plans to re-establish contact and possibly continue their illicit activities.

Both men pleaded guilty to breaching their SOPOs, which explicitly prohibited contact with other sex offenders. Hannah explained that the isolation caused by the COVID-19 lockdown was a contributing factor to his decision to write these letters, claiming feelings of loneliness and disconnection. They are currently remanded in custody and are scheduled for sentencing next month.

Hannah's criminal history includes a 2017 conviction for possessing indecent images of children, followed by the imposition of the SOPO in 2018. Aitman, also known as McNab, has a history of similar offences, including convictions for child sexual abuse images and other related crimes. Notably, he was previously imprisoned for conspiring to impregnate a stranger and for attempting to rape a newborn baby, with evidence of images depicting babies being raped, abused, and tortured.

During the investigation, staff at Low Moss Prison in Bishopbriggs discovered the correspondence. A total of five letters addressed to Aitman, signed by Hannah, were seized, along with five letters found in Hannah's cell at Barlinnie Prison, sent by Aitman. These letters, exchanged between May 25, 2020, and December 5, 2020, detailed their disturbing plans and thoughts.

Prosecutor Adrian Stalker highlighted some of the content, including Hannah asking if Aitman was still interested in meeting once they were released. Aitman responded by mentioning his interactions with women and his desire to have children with them. He also suggested relocating to Paisley to stay close to Hannah and expressed a desire to communicate online with people who have children. Hannah's letters included instructions to 'get rid of evidence' and explicit discussions about harming children, with Hannah stating, 'I’ve had discussions with a few guys… and they have no issue with snuffing a kid and disposing of them. How do you feel about that?'

Hannah's lawyer, Sean Templeton, expressed remorse, stating that his client was 'thoroughly ashamed' of what was written. He explained that the correspondence took place during the first COVID-19 lockdown, a period during which Hannah claimed to have felt isolated and lonely, leading him to reach out to Aitman. The court has deferred sentencing until next month to allow for further reports, with both men remaining in custody pending their next appearance.