A repeat sex offender caught with a single indecent image of a child is being given the chance to “make a life” for himself.
Joseph McNaughton was previously jailed for three years for lewd behaviour and has a previous conviction for possession of child porn.
Despite his conviction, police officers discovered the image at McNaughton’s home in Ivanhoe, Calderwood, during a routine visit.
The 27-year-old was under supervision at the time of the check-up and admitted downloading the indecent image of a child on October 18 last year.
Appearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week, his defence told Sheriff Thomas Millar that McNaughton appreciated the seriousness of his reoffending.
Child porn pervert lives less than one mile from five East Kilbride primary schools
Defence agent Stephen McQuillan said: “He accepts this is very serious given his previous convictions.
“He is a complex person with certain difficulties, but he realises this is not a victimless matter. People go through harrowing situations and it is not lost on him.”
The indecent image seized featured a girl thought to be aged between five and eight years old.
Sheriff Millar imposed a three-year supervision order which includes no unsupervised contact with children aged under 17.
McNaughton must make any devices capable of access to the Internet available for inspection at any time – he was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for three years.
Sheriff Millar told him: “Unlike some others, you fully recognise the harm that can be caused by your behaviour. You have not sought to minimise matters.
“You complied with the previous order and seem to have been making a life for yourself outside custody.
“I hope you can do so.”
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