JOHN THOMSON AND DAVID WATKIN FROM LANARKSHIRE SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In a recent case that has sent shockwaves through the Lanarkshire community, two men have been formally sentenced after police raids uncovered disturbing evidence of child exploitation on their personal computers. The incidents, which took place over several years, highlight the ongoing issues surrounding the possession and distribution of indecent images of minors, and the serious legal consequences that follow.

John Thomson, aged 67, who now resides in Hamilton, was found to have downloaded a total of 20 moving images and one still image depicting children between August 2010 and June 2013. These images were discovered during a police operation that was initiated after receiving credible information. The authorities obtained a warrant to search his residence on Tainloan Drive, Carluke, at approximately 9:15 in the morning on June 27th. During the search, Thomson claimed ownership of the computer and stated that his wife was unaware of its contents.

Analysis of the images revealed a disturbing pattern, indicating that Thomson had a particular predilection for children aged between five and twelve years old. The images varied in their level of indecency, but all contributed to a grave concern about the exploitation of minors. Sheriff Petra Collins, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of such offenses, stating, "Any indecent image of a child will always be treated as a serious matter because these are not just pictures. Behind every picture there is a real child who has been subject to real sexual and psychological abuse. And those looking at such images created the demand for such pictures."

Thomson’s defense team argued that he had previously contributed positively to his community but acknowledged that he had strayed from the right path. The defense attorney described his client’s situation as a "catastrophic" fall from grace, asserting that his entire life had been shattered by these actions.

In sentencing, Sheriff Collins ordered Thomson to serve a community payback order for 30 months, which includes 101 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Thomson was placed on the sex offenders register for the same duration, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.

Meanwhile, another disturbing case involved David Watkin, aged 20, who was also apprehended following a police raid at his family home in Lesmahagow. The officers, armed with a search warrant, arrived at the residence at approximately 9:00 am. During the search, they discovered indecent images of children, predominantly girls aged between eight and fifteen years old, stored on two separate computers. These images, all still photographs, had been downloaded by Watkin between September 2011 and April 2012.

Watkin, who now resides in Knocklea, Biggar, was found to have caused significant distress to his family due to his actions. The court heard that his offending had a detrimental impact on his parents’ well-being. As a result, he was placed on the sex offenders register for two years and was also subjected to a community payback order with supervision, emphasizing the judicial system’s focus on rehabilitation and public safety.

Both cases underscore the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and judicial authorities in Lanarkshire to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material, reaffirming the community’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable members.