GERARD COIA, NOW LIVING IN CLYDEBANK, AND THE CITY OF STIRLING: TWIN BROTHER OF TV HOST PAUL COIA ON SEX OFFENDERS' REGISTER

In July 2014, it was reported that Gerard Coia, who is now residing in Clydebank, was ordered to attend a sex offenders' rehabilitation program after pleading guilty to charges related to child pornography. Previously, in April 2004, Coia's twin brother, the well-known Scottish TV host Paul Coia, faced the legal consequences of his brother's actions.

Gerard Coia, aged 48 at the time, was found to have downloaded 77 images depicting naked children onto his home computer, as well as at the Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling where he operated a cafe. Authorities revealed that he stored 75 of these images on discs and had printed others, which he kept hidden from his girlfriend at his Stirling residence.

The case was heard at Stirling Sheriff Court, where a social inquiry report indicated a high risk that Coia might re-offend. As a result, he was sentenced to three years of probation, ordered to register as a sex offender for five years, and mandated to participate in a rehabilitation program. The court emphasized the seriousness of the offense, underscoring the potential risk involved.