GREG RICHARD CAUGHT IN GLASGOW WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND VOYEURISTIC VIDEOS IN CUMNOCK AND AYR
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Greg Richard, a 21-year-old resident of Bellgrove Street, Calton, Glasgow, was found to be in possession of a disturbing collection of child abuse images and secretly-recorded videos.The investigation revealed that Richard had been involved in viewing and storing highly explicit material involving minors, some of which depicted severe sexual assaults.
Richard’s criminal activities came to light after police executed a search warrant at his home in Kyle Court, Cumnock, on June 1, 2023.
During the search, officers recovered multiple electronic devices containing a significant amount of illicit content.
Among the material found were 117 still images, 114 of which were accessible, showing males aged from four to sixteen in various states of undress or engaged in sexual acts.
Additionally, 43 videos were recovered, all accessible, depicting minors aged from three to sixteen in explicit scenarios.
The descriptions of some of these images and videos are particularly harrowing, including footage of a child aged between three and five being subjected to serious sexual assault by an adult.
Due to the graphic nature of the material, detailed descriptions are omitted, but the severity of the content was acknowledged by the court.
Prosecutor Alasdair Millar outlined the extent of the evidence, including a 55-second video taken in a changing room, where the camera was often obscured by a hand, showing males in school uniforms getting changed.
Another video lasting 110 seconds depicted minors in a changing room, with a focus on one individual.
There was also a nine-second clip filmed covertly in a classroom, showing a male in school uniform grabbing his genitals.
Further evidence included a still image of a male sitting on a toilet, with his underwear pulled down, taken from above, though his age could not be determined.
A subsequent video showed the same scene.
The police also found voyeuristic images, including a still image of a male sitting on a toilet using his phone, and other similar footage.
The Crown has announced plans to destroy all the devices involved in the case.
Richard, who previously pleaded guilty, appeared in court last month and initially attempted to avoid sentencing by hiding in the male toilets at Ayr Sheriff Court for over an hour.
During the hearing, the court was informed that Richard had shown a 'high level of remorse' and had self-referred to a support service.
His defense solicitor, Christopher Large, emphasized that Richard is a first-time offender who intends to engage in psychological treatment and expressed hope for rehabilitation.
In mitigation, Mr.
Large highlighted the social consequences Richard has already faced, including losing friends and family, and having to leave the local area due to media coverage.
The solicitor argued that the community’s disapproval and the negative press coverage should be considered when determining the sentence.
However, Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart underscored the seriousness of the crimes, stating, “These are not victimless crimes.
When such images are accessed, an industry that perpetuates harm develops.” She acknowledged Richard’s efforts to address his behavior but emphasized the importance of continued progress.
As a result, Richard was placed on a community payback order with supervision, rather than immediate custody.
He is required to participate in the 'Moving Forward, Making Changes' program, which aims to address and prevent such offending behaviors.
Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for two years and is prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with children under 16.
His internet usage and relationships will be monitored closely.
Richard is scheduled to return to court for a review, during which the court will consider the progress he has made.
Sheriff MacTaggart concluded by stating that if a positive report is received, she may consider amending the current order, but emphasized the ongoing seriousness of his actions and the importance of continued compliance and rehabilitation.
