PERTH PAEDOPHILE GRAHAM MCLEAN SENTENCED WITH 25-YEAR INTERNET BAN IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
In a significant case that highlights ongoing concerns about child exploitation and online safety, Graham McLean, a 65-year-old registered sex offender from Perth, has been sentenced to a prison term of 27 months following his conviction for possessing a vast collection of indecent images of children.The court proceedings, held at Perth Sheriff Court, revealed that McLean was found in possession of over 1,500 indecent photographs, along with 156 pseudo-images, on his personal computer located at his residence in Carillion House, St John Street, Perth.
The court heard that McLean's criminal history includes previous convictions related to indecent conduct and shameless indecency.
His prior offenses date back approximately 20 years, and he had previously been placed on probation for three years in 2007 while residing in Broughty Ferry.
During that period, he admitted to possessing images depicting children as young as five engaged in sexual acts, which underscores a long-standing pattern of offending.
Authorities acted on information that led to a police raid on McLean’s Perth flat in March.
During the operation, officers seized his computer and discovered a disturbing collection of images.
Most of these images were classified at level one, indicating no sexual activity, but the investigation also uncovered two images depicting sexual acts between an adult and a child aged between four and 15 years.
Additionally, the police found nearly 100 pseudo-images that depicted sexual activity involving children and adults, with some images showing sadism and bestiality involving children under 12.
The court was informed that the discovery of these images was the result of police checking McLean’s computer and seizing various compact discs.
The evidence presented included a total of 1,519 indecent photographs and 156 pseudo-images, which painted a disturbing picture of ongoing offending behavior.
In his defense, McLean’s solicitor, Mike Tavendale, acknowledged his client’s acceptance of the images found.
He also highlighted McLean’s health issues, including thyroid problems, high cholesterol, mini-strokes, and tumors in his lymph glands, which had been surgically removed.
Tavendale emphasized that McLean was fully aware of the gravity of his situation and the risks involved.
During sentencing, Sheriff Robert McCreadie emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the importance of protecting the public from further harm.
He pointed out McLean’s extensive criminal record and his status as a registered sex offender as aggravating factors.
The sheriff stated, “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.” Furthermore, the court granted a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for a period of 25 years.
This order prohibits McLean from possessing, owning, using, or having access to any computing devices or mobile phones capable of internet access.
The order aims to prevent him from reoffending or accessing material that could facilitate further abuse.
McLean was sentenced to serve his prison term from March 13, the date he was taken into custody, and the court also ordered the forfeiture of his computer equipment.
The judge’s decision reflects the gravity of his offenses and the ongoing threat posed by individuals with such criminal histories, especially those with access to the internet and digital media.
