June 2011 Prison and 25-year internet ban for Perth paedophile A paedophile caught with over 1500 indecent photographs of children and who had previous convictions for indecent conduct and shameless indecency has been sent to prison for 27 months and ordered not to access the internet for 25 years. Perth Sheriff Court heard that registered sex offender Graham McLean (65) also had 156 pseudo-images on his computer at his flat in Carillion House, St John Street, Perth. Sheriff Robert McCreadie agreed to grant a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) for 25 years. It prevents McLean from possessing, owning, using or having access to any computing or other equipment, including a mobile phone capable of accessing the internet. McLean had admitted possessing the images in his flat between July 25 and March 15. The court heard he had been placed on probation for three years in 2007, when he lived in Broughty Ferry, after admitting possessing images of children as young as five engaged in sexual acts. Police swooped on his Perth address in March and found thousands of indecent photographsand pseudo-images on his computer. Most were at level one, which contain no sexual activity, but two depicted sexual acts between an adult and a child, with the children said to be aged between four and 15 years. The pseudo-images were higher on the scale used by the courts, with almost 100 depicting sexual activity between adults and a child. A further 28 depicted sadism and beastiality involving under-12s. On Tuesday, depute fiscal Alan Kempton made a motion applying for McLean to be given the SOPO. The court had previously heard that McLean’s latest offence came to light when police visited his home and seized a number of compact discs after checking his computer. Some 1519indecent photographs and 156 pseudo-images were found. Solicitor Mike Tavendale, representing McLean, said his client accepted the images that were discovered. He told the court his client suffered from various health problems including difficulties with his thyroid, cholesterol and mini-strokes. McLean also had tumours in his lymph glands, which were removed. Mr Tavendale said, “It is safe to say that my client is under no illusion of the precarious position he is in.” Sentencing McLean, Sheriff Robert McCreadie told him, “Given your previous record, the fact you are a registered sexual offender and your lack of remorse there is no alternative but a custodial sentence. “With regard to the SOPO, the criteria is that the court must be satisfied the public are protected from serious sexual harm.” He added, “Your offending stretches back 20 years so I feel such an order should be granted.” McLean was sent to prison for 27 months, backdated to March 13 — the date he was taken into custody. It was also agreed that his computer equipment is forfeited.