JAMES DONNELLY FROM MOTHERWELL SENTENCED TO OVER TWO YEARS FOR CHILD PORN AND COCAINE IN SCOTLAND

In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention in the Motherwell area, James Donnelly, aged 27, was sentenced to a prison term exceeding two years after admitting to serious charges involving child exploitation images and the possession of a substantial quantity of cocaine. The incident unfolded in October 2018, culminating in a police raid that uncovered disturbing evidence linking Donnelly to both illegal activities.

On the morning of October 16, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Donnelly’s residence on Bellshill Road, Motherwell. The operation was initiated following a report from an online child abuse prevention agency, which flagged the address as a source of indecent images being accessed. The police arrived at the scene at approximately 7:25 a.m., finding Donnelly present along with his partner. The officers conducted a thorough and systematic search of the property, which led to the discovery of incriminating material on Donnelly’s mobile phone. Specifically, they recovered 86 indecent photographs and 29 videos depicting children in explicit situations, constituting a serious offense under the law.

During the search, officers also seized a safe from the premises. Although initial attempts to open the safe were unsuccessful, it was later transported to Motherwell police station, where it was forcibly opened. Inside, investigators found several knotted plastic bags containing cocaine, with an estimated street value of approximately £7,750. The quantity and packaging of the drugs suggested involvement in the commercial supply of controlled substances, a charge that carries significant legal penalties.

Prosecutor Callum Forsyth outlined the findings to the court, emphasizing the systematic nature of the search and the disturbing content of the images. Defense lawyer Andy Thomson addressed the court on behalf of Donnelly, stating that his client had been honest with social workers about his reasons for possessing the indecent images. Regarding the drug charges, Thomson explained that Donnelly had fallen into debt due to his own drug use and was asked by drug suppliers to safeguard the safe containing the cocaine. The lawyer noted that Donnelly was aware of the contents of the safe and that his involvement was motivated by financial incentives offered by the suppliers. Evidence supporting this included the presence of a fingerprint belonging to a named individual on the drugs inside the safe.

In delivering his sentence, Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen expressed his view that custody was justified given the severity of the child exploitation images and their classification. He also emphasized the seriousness of the drug supply charges, stating that involvement in the distribution of Class A drugs must be met with appropriate punishment to serve as a deterrent. The sheriff took into account Donnelly’s relatively minor criminal record, but nonetheless sentenced him to two years and two months in prison. Additionally, Donnelly will be required to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period, reflecting the gravity of the child exploitation charges and the ongoing risk to the community.