KIERON LAWSON FROM DUNFERMLINE SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AT KIRKCALDY SHERIFF COURT

A man from Dunfermline has been placed on the sex offenders register after police uncovered disturbing evidence of child abuse material on his mobile phone. Kieron Lawson appeared before Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court to admit to the possession and creation of these illicit files, which he committed between May 20 and August 14 of the previous year.

According to court proceedings, law enforcement authorities received information indicating that indecent images of children had been accessed at Lawson’s residence in Dunfermline. Acting on this intelligence, officers obtained a search warrant and arrived at his home around 9 a.m. on August 14. Upon entering the premises, they found Lawson in the living room along with another individual.

As the officers began to explain the purpose of their visit, Lawson interrupted and stated, “This is nothing to do with her – it’s me, I’ll give you my phone.” Subsequently, the police seized a Samsung device belonging to Lawson. An analysis of the phone revealed that it contained 12 illicit images, although by the time of examination, these images had become inaccessible. Among these files, three were classified as the most graphic, depicting young girls ranging from infants to approximately 12 years old.

The court was informed that one of the images showed a girl, estimated to be around 12 years old, being subjected to abuse by an adult. The creation dates of these files extended up until the morning police arrived at the residence, indicating ongoing activity related to the material.

Judge John MacRitchie deferred sentencing to allow for the preparation of reports and ordered Lawson to be placed on the sex offenders register. In April 2025, further updates revealed that Lawson, who was a first-time offender, was subjected to supervision and remained on the sex offenders register for a period of one year. The sheriff also imposed strict conditions regarding his use of electronic devices and prohibited him from having unsupervised contact with children unless explicitly approved.

During the sentencing, Sheriff MacRitchie emphasized the severity of the offence, stating, “There are but 12 of these images. They were inaccessible. However, the offence involved sexual abuse material of both males and females, ranging from infants to 12 years old. You have criminogenic needs that require addressing.” He further explained that the harm caused by such material is always considered to be in the highest category, given the nature of the abuse depicted.

The sheriff concluded by highlighting the broader implications of possessing such material, noting, “Those who access this material bear responsibility for creating demand for such abuse. This is a serious offence that crosses the custody threshold. I accept that you’ve shown remorse.”