DAVID MCDADE SHAWLANDS GLASGOW: FOOTBALL COACH CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORN AND ANIMAL ABUSE IMAGES FAILS TO START REHAB
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Glasgow community, David McDade, a football coach from Mannering Road, Shawlands, has been found guilty of serious offences involving child exploitation and the possession of indecent images.The case first came to light in June 2017, when McDade was convicted of grooming teenage boys and possessing a horrifying collection of indecent images depicting children engaged in sexual acts with animals.
McDade, aged 54 at the time, had used his position within local boys' football clubs to establish trust with young players.
He engaged in sexual conversations with these teenagers, often asking if they wanted to train with his team, thereby exploiting his authority and influence.
The investigation into his activities intensified when authorities raided his residence, uncovering a cache of disturbing images that included children involved in sexual acts with animals.
During court proceedings at Paisley Sheriff Court, McDade admitted that the sexual chats he engaged in were driven by his own sexual fantasies, which he described as arousing to him.
Despite the severity of his crimes, he was spared imprisonment and was instead sentenced to a Community Payback Order (CPO).
However, more than a year after his sentencing, it has emerged that McDade has yet to commence the court-mandated treatment programs designed to prevent future offending.
Specifically, McDade was ordered to participate in the Moving Forward, Making Changes, and Clyde Quay Programmes—rehabilitative initiatives aimed at helping sex offenders alter their behavior.
Unfortunately, since the issuance of his CPO, he has not been able to start these programs, with reports suggesting that there are no available slots for him on the courses.
This delay raises concerns about the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process and the potential risk to the community.
The timing of these revelations coincides with ongoing investigations into child abuse within Scottish football.
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Police Scotland are actively examining allegations of abuse in youth football, prompted by a BBC documentary that aired in April, which called attention to the issue.
Police Scotland launched a comprehensive inquiry into historical child abuse in football at the end of the previous year, and by February, the force had received approximately 140 reports of alleged abuse involving minors.
During a recent court appearance for a progress review of his CPO, McDade’s defense solicitor, James Arrol, stated that there had been no progress regarding his client’s participation in the required treatment programs.
Arrol emphasized that McDade had engaged fully with the process but highlighted the lack of available course placements.
The social work department has requested an extension of the CPO, but details regarding the length of this extension remain unclear.
McDade’s criminal history dates back to February 2016, when he was initially charged with sending sexual text messages to teenage boys and possessing indecent images.
Court records reveal that he had infiltrated local clubs such as Castlemilk Boys FC and Whitecraigs AFC in 2014, gaining the trust of club officials before beginning his inappropriate conduct.
Parents of the young players expressed concerns after McDade started sending inappropriate messages, which ultimately led to his charges and conviction.
In the 2016 case, McDade pleaded guilty to three counts of sending sexual messages to minors and one count of possessing indecent images.
He was sentenced to a two-year community payback order, which included 300 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he was ordered to surrender all web-enabled devices and was prohibited from accessing the internet without supervision.
Despite these measures, the ongoing investigation and the failure to commence treatment highlight the persistent risks posed by individuals like McDade, especially within the context of Scottish football’s efforts to address and prevent abuse.
