ANDREW BRAILSFORD FROM BELLSHILL AND MOTHERWELL CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 32,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bellshill and Motherwell, Andrew Brailsford, a 30-year-old man, was apprehended by police authorities after a detailed investigation into his possession of a vast collection of indecent images of children. The incident came to light following a police raid conducted at his residence in McLean Drive, Bellshill, on June 18 of the previous year, which was prompted by information received from the national online child abuse prevention organization.

During the early morning operation, law enforcement officers seized several electronic devices, including a laptop computer and a mobile phone, which were believed to contain illicit material. A subsequent analysis of these devices revealed that Brailsford had amassed a staggering total of 31,406 indecent photographs of minors, along with 404 video clips and 127 cartoon images. The explicit content depicted boys and girls aged between three and fifteen years old, highlighting the severity and disturbing nature of the material involved.

Prosecutor Paula Russell outlined that Brailsford had been downloading these images at both his former residence in Dalriada Crescent, Motherwell, and his current address in McLean Drive, Bellshill, spanning from December 2017 to May of the following year. The case was brought before Hamilton Sheriff Court, where Brailsford admitted to the charges and was subsequently placed on the sex offenders’ register. Although he avoided a custodial sentence, the court imposed strict supervision measures.

Sheriff Shiona Waldron ordered that Brailsford be subject to a three-year supervision period and remain on the sex offenders’ register for the same duration. She also stipulated that he must not have unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 17 unless approved by his assigned social worker. Additionally, Brailsford is required to inform police officers from the offenders management unit about any internet-enabled devices he possesses, making these devices available for inspection at any time.

Furthermore, Brailsford is mandated to undergo an assessment for the ‘Moving Forward, Making Changes’ programme, which is designed for offenders in North Lanarkshire. He is also required to complete 225 hours of unpaid community service, emphasizing the court’s focus on rehabilitation and community safety. The case has raised ongoing concerns about online safety and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.