WILLIAM COWAN FROM FEARN SHARES CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN SCOTLAND'S ROSS-SHIRE REGION

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Fearn in Ross-shire, William Cowan, aged 34, has been found guilty of downloading indecent images of children. The incident took place at an address on Smith’s Place, a location within the small Scottish village known for its quiet, rural setting. Cowan’s actions, which occurred over a period spanning from September 6, 2012, to January 29, 2013, have led to significant legal consequences.

William Cowan appeared before Inverness Sheriff Court to face sentencing after previously admitting to the charges. The court proceedings revealed that Cowan had been in possession of these illicit images at his residence in Fearn. The case drew attention not only because of the nature of the crime but also due to the community’s concern over the safety and well-being of children in the region.

During the hearing, Sheriff David Sutherland carefully considered the reports submitted regarding Cowan’s case. These reports indicated that Cowan was likely to comply with a community-based sentence, which could serve as a means of rehabilitation rather than incarceration. Based on this assessment, Sheriff Sutherland decided to impose a series of measures aimed at monitoring Cowan’s conduct and ensuring public safety.

As part of the sentence, William Cowan was placed on the Sex Offenders Register, a legal requirement for individuals convicted of sexual offenses. Additionally, he was sentenced to serve a three-year supervision order, which involves regular monitoring and reporting to authorities. Furthermore, Cowan was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community service, a step intended to promote accountability and community reintegration.

Prior to the final sentencing, there was a period of deferred judgment in June 2014. At that time, Cowan’s case was adjourned to allow for the preparation of criminal justice social work reports, which would provide a comprehensive assessment of his circumstances and potential for rehabilitation. During this period, Cowan was released on bail, pending the final decision.

In summary, William Cowan’s case underscores the ongoing efforts by Scottish authorities to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material. The community of Fearn, like many others across Ross-shire, remains vigilant in the face of such crimes, emphasizing the importance of legal action and preventative measures to protect vulnerable children from harm.