ANNAN MUSIC TEACHER DAVID SHANKS CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

In March 2015, David Shanks, a 55-year-old resident of Gallaberry, Annan, found himself at the center of a serious criminal case involving the possession of indecent images of children. The case was heard at Dumfries Sheriff Court, where it was revealed that Shanks had been in unlawful possession of such material for nearly seven years, with the police uncovering the images during a search of his home in February of the previous year.

Shanks, who previously served as the head of musical development for Dumfries and Galloway Council, was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service and was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of three years. The court proceedings detailed that the images found on his computer amounted to nearly 600 in total, most of which were classified at the lowest level of severity. The images predominantly depicted young boys, with a small number falling into higher categories, specifically levels 2, 3, and 4.

During the hearing, the court was informed that Shanks had admitted to possessing these images over a span of almost seven years, up until February 2014. Despite the disturbing nature of the material, the court noted that there was no evidence to suggest any contact or direct abuse had taken place. Sheriff Brian Mohan emphasized that by downloading these images, Shanks was contributing to the ongoing cruelty inflicted upon children who were exploited and abused.

Legal representatives for Shanks, including solicitor David Finnie, highlighted that although some images were at higher levels, Shanks was reportedly disgusted by them and considered them obscene. Finnie clarified that Shanks' interest was limited to the lowest level images, which he viewed as less severe. The solicitor also pointed out that Shanks had not been ostracized by his family and had received positive references from the head teacher at Annan Academy, where he had taught, as well as from other educators and a local minister.

In addition to the community service and registration, Sheriff Mohan ordered that Shanks be placed under supervision for three years. The court's decision reflected the seriousness of the offense, but also acknowledged the character references and the lack of evidence suggesting any contact with children or direct harm.

Earlier in January 2015, it was reported that Shanks, who was involved in musical education and had responsibilities that included visiting schools across the Dumfries and Galloway region, had been found with indecent images of children on his computer. The police investigation was initiated after receiving information that led to a warrant being executed at his residence in Gallaberry, Annan. The police discovered nearly 600 images, mainly of young males, during the search.

Shanks, a former conductor of the Annan Town Band, faced charges related to the possession of indecent photographs. He admitted to the possession but pleaded not guilty to charges of taking, permitting to be taken, or making such images at his home. The case was scheduled for sentencing in March, with Sheriff Brian Mohan deferring the decision until 17 March to allow for further proceedings and considerations.