CHRISTOPHER MORRISON SHOCKS CLYDEBANK AND ELDERSLIE WITH CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND INCREASING CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

In a disturbing series of events that have sent shockwaves through the communities of Clydebank and Elderslie, Christopher Morrison, a man with a troubling criminal history, has once again found himself at the center of serious allegations involving child abuse and possession of explicit images. Morrison, originally from Elderslie near Paisley, has a long and troubling record that includes a heinous attack on a four-year-old boy in a Clydebank supermarket, as well as recent allegations that have placed him back in police custody.

The most recent incident came to light when police discovered a disturbing child abuse image on Morrison’s mobile phone. The discovery was made during an unannounced police visit to his residence on November 4 of the previous year, just two months after Morrison was released early from prison. The authorities had been monitoring him as part of an offender management program overseen by agencies including Inverclyde Council and Police Scotland. The image found on his device depicted a group of naked adults and children, with one adult appearing to be touching a child, a scene that police described as highly disturbing and classified at Level 3 under the law, with Level 5 being the most severe.

During the police investigation, officers seized Morrison’s black Alcatel mobile phone and another device for examination. The images on the phone caused immediate concern, leading to Morrison’s detention and subsequent questioning at Greenock police station. Despite being interviewed in the presence of a solicitor and an appropriate adult, Morrison refused to comment on the allegations, replying simply with “Naw” when cautioned and charged. The police confirmed that the investigation was ongoing, and Morrison remained in custody awaiting sentencing.

This recent arrest follows Morrison’s earlier conviction in June 2013 for a sexual assault on a four-year-old boy in an Asda supermarket in Clydebank. The attack occurred in the supermarket’s toilet area while the child was out shopping with his mother, grandmother, and aunt. Morrison, then 20 years old, was already present in the restroom when the boy entered alone. He gestured for the child to be quiet by placing his finger to his own mouth before indecently assaulting him. The child later confided in his mother, describing that “a man” had done something to him, prompting her to alert store staff and police.

Following the incident, Morrison was identified through CCTV footage and DNA evidence, which linked him to the crime scene. He was arrested and charged, eventually pleading guilty to the sexual assault. During the court proceedings, Lord Bracadale described the attack as “very disturbing” and sentenced Morrison to two and a half years in a young offenders institution. The judge also ordered that Morrison be placed under supervision for three and a half years after his release and registered as a sex offender. The court heard that Morrison had no previous convictions but posed a significant risk, which could only be managed through participation in offence-focused rehabilitation programs.

The 2012 incident in Clydebank involved Morrison’s indecent assault on the four-year-old boy while he was shopping with his family. Morrison, who was 19 at the time, was already in the supermarket when the child went to the toilet. He approached the boy without saying a word, then performed the assault, making a gesture to be quiet. The child’s mother noticed his zipper and belt still undone when he returned, and upon inquiry, the boy revealed that “a man” had done something to him. Witnesses saw Morrison acting suspiciously and leaving the scene hurriedly, which led to his identification through CCTV and DNA evidence. Morrison later admitted to the assault in court.

In the latest developments, Morrison is currently in custody awaiting sentencing for the possession of child abuse images. The authorities have emphasized that they do not comment on individual cases regarding the management of sex offenders in the community, but the pattern of Morrison’s behavior raises serious concerns about public safety. The communities of Clydebank and Elderslie continue to grapple with the implications of these events, which highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and social services in managing offenders and protecting vulnerable children from harm.