KEVIN MCALORUM FROM VIEWPARK SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGES AND SUICIDE NOTE

In February 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Kevin McAlorum, a resident of Viewpark, who was found in possession of highly disturbing material depicting the sexual abuse of a young boy approximately 10 years old. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the evidence and the circumstances surrounding McAlorum's arrest.

Police officers discovered that McAlorum, aged 55 and residing on Langside Avenue, had been engaging in the downloading and viewing of indecent images of children for nearly a decade. During the investigation, he confessed to officers that he had been involved in such activities for around ten years and expressed a tragic hope that he would eventually be caught so he could end his life. This revelation was made during police interviews, highlighting the depth of his distress and remorse.

McAlorum was taken into custody after authorities responded to a tip-off indicating that his computer equipment was being used to access and download illegal material. The police visited his home, which he shared with his elderly mother, and he cooperated by providing the password to his desktop computer. The device was subsequently seized for forensic examination. Investigators uncovered two copies of a video that explicitly depicted the sexual abuse of a young boy, approximately 10 years old. In addition, evidence showed that McAlorum had been emailed hundreds of indecent images, further illustrating the extent of his involvement in the possession and distribution of such material.

During the investigation, officers faced difficulties in locating McAlorum for questioning. His phone calls to the police went directly to voicemail, and concerned for his safety, authorities implemented a missing person protocol. Later that evening, police traced him to a local bar around 11 pm, where he was found and subsequently taken to Motherwell police station for questioning. At the station, officers recovered a notebook, medication, and a mobile phone from his person. Due to his apparent intoxication, McAlorum was not interviewed immediately and was allowed to sleep. The notebook contained a suicide note, which included admissions of guilt, adding a tragic dimension to the case.

McAlorum, who had no prior criminal convictions, was scheduled for sentencing after the court received background reports and a risk assessment. Ultimately, Sheriff Daniel Kelly determined that imprisonment was the only suitable punishment for his actions. On the day of sentencing, McAlorum was sentenced to six months in jail and was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the potential risk posed to the community.