SCOTT STRUTHERS BONHILL SEX OFFENDER FACES LAST CHANCE AFTER FAILURE TO COMPLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE

In January 2018, a serious incident unfolded involving Scott Struthers, a resident of Bonhill, who was under court supervision due to his previous criminal activities. Struthers, who had been convicted of possessing highly disturbing images depicting extreme sexual abuse of children, was also subjected to a court-ordered community punishment aimed at rehabilitation and public safety.

Despite the court’s clear directives, Struthers failed to fulfill his obligation to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work within the stipulated ten-month period. The breach occurred on January 5, 2018, when he chose to prioritize his employment as a chef over his community service duties, neglecting to attend the scheduled work session. This failure was brought before Dumbarton Sheriff Court, where the seriousness of his non-compliance was thoroughly examined.

At the time of his original sentencing, Struthers was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of three years. His criminal record includes admitting to the possession of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children, which he took or permitted to be taken at his residence in Braehead between May 2015 and May 2016. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to possessing an “extreme pornographic image” at his home on July 12, 2016. These offenses highlight the gravity of his crimes and the importance of strict supervision.

During the recent court hearing, Struthers’ solicitor acknowledged that her client still owed 171 hours of unpaid work under the supervision order. However, she also revealed that he had failed to attend scheduled community service sessions on two separate occasions earlier in the month. Sheriff William Gallacher expressed his frustration and concern, stating, “Last time I told him that if he failed to attend, for whatever reason, I would revoke the order and send him to prison. He’s not doing what I told him to do, so why shouldn’t I do that? What message does it send to this community if I say now ‘well, I didn’t really mean that’?”

In an attempt to understand the circumstances, the solicitor explained that Struthers had been under pressure from his employer, who had given him an ultimatum: if he failed to attend work on January 5, he would lose his job. Sheriff Gallacher responded sternly, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, “This is your last, last chance. Don’t make the same mistake again.”

Following this, the court scheduled a further review of the case for April 13. As a consequence of his breach of the supervision order, Sheriff Gallacher increased the total unpaid work requirement for Struthers. He now has 185 hours remaining to complete, underscoring the court’s firm stance on ensuring compliance and safeguarding the community from potential harm.