DONAL FERRIE FROM CLYDEBANK ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD SEX IMAGE SCANDAL AT DUMBARTON GOLF CLUB

In April 2019, a man from Clydebank named Donal Ferrie faced serious allegations related to the possession of indecent images of children, but he was ultimately spared a prison sentence. Ferrie, who previously served as a youth convener at Dumbarton Golf Club, appeared before the court after admitting to the possession of a total of 33 explicit images depicting minors. The images were classified into two categories: two at 'category B' and the remaining 31 at 'category C,' which is considered the lowest level of seriousness for such material.

Ferrie, aged 53 and residing at Waverley in Drumry’s Onslow Road, acknowledged that he had these images on his devices between February 24 and June 26 of the previous year. The investigation into Ferrie’s activities was initiated after police received a tip-off indicating that an indecent image had been uploaded from his IP address. This IP address was traced back to his former residence on Alclutha Avenue in Dumbarton, as well as to Dumbarton Golf Club, where he held a position as a junior convener.

On June 26, 2018, police executed a search warrant at Ferrie’s home, which led to the seizure of several mobile phones, including a Samsung Galaxy S8. An examination of the devices revealed multiple images of children aged approximately seven to thirteen years old. These images appeared to be screenshots, but the source of the images could not be definitively identified. The court was informed that there was no evidence suggesting Ferrie had shared or distributed these images.

During the court proceedings, Ferrie maintained a defensive stance, telling police, “I’m not a criminal,” when questioned about the images. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the court was told that Ferrie had no prior convictions. A background report from social workers was ordered to assess his circumstances before sentencing.

In sentencing, Ferrie was given a community payback order, which requires him to be supervised by social workers until April 2021. As part of this order, he must attend counseling or courses related to sexual offending if deemed necessary by his supervisor. Additionally, he was sentenced to complete 160 hours of unpaid work within nine months and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of two years.

Earlier in March 2019, Ferrie had already admitted to possessing these 33 indecent images of children, which he had taken or permitted to be taken between February 4 and 8, 2017. The investigation was triggered after police received information about an uploaded indecent image, leading to the search and seizure of his devices. The images depicted children aged around seven to thirteen, and their source could not be determined. The court heard that there was no evidence Ferrie had shared the images.

Ferrie, who has no previous criminal record, was arrested at his home and told police, “I’m not a criminal.” Following his arrest, he ceased his involvement with Dumbarton Golf Club, which reported his conduct to Disclosure Scotland due to his former role at the club. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to address and prevent child exploitation, even when offenders do not have prior convictions.