GREIG STEIN FROM TRANENT ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE HIGH RISK OF REOFFENDING IN EAST LOTHIAN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tranent in East Lothian, Greig Stein, aged 30, was found to possess a horrifying collection of illegal images involving children and bestiality. Despite the severity of his offenses and being classified as a 'high risk' for reoffending, Stein narrowly avoided a prison sentence during his recent court appearance.

According to court reports, police officers uncovered a disturbing array of illicit material on Stein’s mobile phone and computer, which he had stored over a period of nearly two years at his residence in Tranent. The images included 55 Category B pictures depicting young boys and girls aged between six and thirteen being subjected to sexual abuse. These images were part of a larger collection that also contained 16 extreme pornographic pictures showing adult women engaged in sexual acts with horses, a form of bestiality that is both illegal and morally reprehensible.

The investigation revealed that Stein’s phone was examined by cybercrime specialists, who discovered an additional five indecent images of children, further compounding the severity of his offenses. The police also found that he had stored these illicit images on his computer’s hard drive, indicating a deliberate and prolonged engagement with such material. The discovery of these images prompted immediate legal action, and Stein was brought before Edinburgh Sheriff Court to face charges.

During the court proceedings, Stein admitted to two serious offenses under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The first involved the possession of indecent images of children, which he had accumulated between April 1, 2018, and February 18 of the following year. The second related to the possession of extreme pornographic images depicting sexual activity between a person and an animal, with the timeframe spanning from May 18, 2018, to February 18 of the subsequent year.

Solicitor Peter O’Neill, representing Stein, presented a social work report to the court. The report highlighted that Stein was considered a 'high risk' of reoffending, primarily because he was minimizing his role in the offenses. Despite the gravity of the crimes, Sheriff Noble, presiding over the case, acknowledged Stein’s guilty pleas but expressed a reluctance to impose a custodial sentence. After reviewing the report and listening to the arguments, the sheriff stated that he was not persuaded that prison was necessary in this case.

Instead, Sheriff Noble decided that Stein could be dealt with through non-custodial measures. As part of his sentence, Stein was placed under social work supervision and was required to register as a sex offender for a period of three years. This decision underscores the ongoing concern about Stein’s potential for reoffending, even as he avoids immediate imprisonment. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against the possession and distribution of illegal and harmful images, and the challenges faced by the justice system in balancing punishment with public safety.