GERALD MCGRORY FROM GREENOCK SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES OFFENSES IN EDINBURGH AND GREENOCK

In August 2022, a disturbing case involving Gerald McGrory, a resident of Greenock, came to light when he successfully appealed the length of his prison sentence for heinous crimes related to the distribution of child sex abuse images. McGrory, aged 62, had been convicted of viewing and sharing extremely disturbing videos and photographs depicting the sexual abuse of young girls as young as three years old. His original sentence, handed down in May 2022, was a total of 27 months, but following a hearing in Edinburgh, this was reduced to 15 months.

Despite the reduction, McGrory will not be subjected to a period of supervised release or license once his custodial term concludes. The extended social work supervision, which was part of the original sentence, has been removed by the Sheriff Appeal Court after careful consideration. This means that McGrory, who was jailed in May, is likely to be released early next year, as offenders typically serve approximately half of their prison sentence before being eligible for release on parole or early release.

Background reports prepared by social workers highlighted McGrory’s lack of empathy towards his victims, emphasizing his disturbing attitude and poor understanding of the severity of his actions. The reports also noted that he had attempted to minimize his behavior during interviews, which further underscored his deviant mindset. The court was informed that McGrory had admitted to multiple charges of distributing or showing indecent images, both still photographs and videos, on various occasions between November 26, 2019, and March 3, 2020.

Investigations revealed that McGrory’s phone contained a total of 72 indecent images, including both still photos and videos. Of these, 69 images were readily accessible, and the collection included material classified as Category A, B, and C, with Category A being the most severe. His collection of videos was equally depraved, comprising eight Category A movies, three Category B, and two Category C videos. The material was collected over a period from July 1 to October 28, 2020.

McGrory’s criminal activities led to his dismissal from his long-term employment at Aulds Bakery, where he had worked for 20 years. He was also ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses.

Earlier in May 2022, McGrory’s arrest was the result of a police operation that uncovered his involvement in the distribution of child abuse images. Police raided his flat on West Blackhall Street during a dawn operation, discovering a disturbing array of images on his mobile device, including the most severe Category A material. It was also revealed that McGrory had engaged in a text message exchange with another known paedophile, sharing images over a span of 15 months prior to his arrest in October 2020.

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Linda Smith acknowledged the gravity of McGrory’s crimes, stating that she had carefully considered Scottish sentencing guidelines and the background report. She emphasized the need to balance the seriousness of the offenses with the defendant’s lack of remorse and understanding. The sheriff ultimately imposed a reduced sentence of 15 months in prison, along with a further 12 months on license and supervision in the community. McGrory’s case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims from such heinous acts.