A man who molested an 11-year-old child and possessed indecent images of children has avoided jail.
Greig Power, 26, sexually assaulted the youngster at a property in Coatbridge in 2017.
Power, who lives in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, also had the indecent photographs in his possession between April 2015 and March of last year.
Sheriff Frank Pieri decided against sending him to prison after Power’s defence solicitor said: “This was deferred for reports after a plea of guilty and a full narration.
“From the outside it’s understood these are serious matters.
“Due to the full circumstances and lack of previous offending there is an alternative to custody.”
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Sheriff Frank Pieri said: “My first thought is a custodial sentence.”
Power’s solicitor continued: “Well, the more serious images were not accessible and very limited in numbers.”
Sheriff Pieri then said: “What I have in mind is an alternative to custody consisting of supervision and unpaid work.
“These are extremely serious matters but you are also a first offender.
“I understand there weren’t many images concerned and I’m satisfied I can deal with this by way of an alternative.
“You’ll be under supervision for three years and will do 200 hours of unpaid work.
“If you breach this you can be sentenced for it all over again.”
