COATBRIDGE MAN LEE MCARTHUR ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Coatbridge, 21-year-old Lee McArthur narrowly avoided a custodial sentence despite being found in possession of indecent images of children. The incident, which came to light after police executed a search warrant at his family home, revealed a disturbing collection of illegal material that McArthur had downloaded during his teenage years.

McArthur, residing at Rosepark Cottages in Kirkshaws, admitted to possessing these images on his laptop between April 2013 and December 2014. The images included both still photographs and videos, some classified at the most severe levels of indecency. The police investigation was initiated after authorities received information through national online channels, prompting a raid on his residence last May. During the operation, officers seized a laptop and a mobile phone for forensic analysis.

Preliminary examinations uncovered a total of 31 indecent images, which included both still images and moving footage of children. The evidence was presented at Airdrie Sheriff Court, where prosecutor Anne-Frances Hilley detailed the circumstances of the offence, stating that the devices used to store the illegal material were found in McArthur’s bedroom within his family home.

In his defense, McArthur’s lawyer, Eddie Kelly, acknowledged his client’s struggles with addiction. Kelly explained that McArthur had been undergoing psychiatric treatment and openly admitted to an addiction to adult pornography, which had escalated to illegal images involving minors. Kelly emphasized that McArthur demonstrated remorse and an understanding of the harm caused to victims, expressing a willingness to seek help and rid himself of his problematic behavior.

Kelly argued that a community-based sentence, such as a supervision order combined with community service, would be more appropriate than imprisonment. He highlighted that McArthur was a loner with no social connections and lacked structure in his daily routine, but was also in the final year of a college degree. The defense contended that a non-custodial sentence would not be a sign of leniency but rather a measured response considering the circumstances.

In delivering his judgment, Sheriff Derek O’Carroll acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but also took into account McArthur’s age and the potential for rehabilitation. The sheriff stated, “I have to take everything into account which has been ably put forward by your solicitor, including your age and the risk you pose. These are serious charges but, very much on balance, there is an alternative to a custodial sentence.”

As part of his sentence, McArthur was tagged for six months, with a curfew from 7pm to 7am daily. He was also placed under supervision for three years and ordered to complete 300 hours of community service within nine months. Furthermore, he was required to disclose all internet-enabled devices he owns, including passwords, and to make them available for inspection at any time. He was prohibited from deleting browsing history or search data. Additionally, McArthur was placed on the sex offenders’ register for three years and instructed to return to court in July for a review of his case.

Earlier in March 2016, McArthur had already been formally placed on the sex offenders’ register and faced the possibility of imprisonment after being caught with child abuse images he had downloaded as a teenager. During that hearing, he pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children between 2013 and 2014. Prosecutor Anne Frances Hilley confirmed that the devices used in the offence were found in his bedroom during an early-morning police raid. The initial search uncovered 39 images, both still and moving, depicting children in sexualized contexts.

McArthur was arrested but did not comment during police questioning. His defense attorney, Eddie Kelly, noted that his client had been receiving psychiatric treatment. The court was informed that McArthur denied possession of the images between April 2013 and May 2015, a claim accepted by the Crown. Sheriff O’Carroll decided to defer sentencing until March 29, pending a social work report and a possible restriction of liberty order, emphasizing that prison remained a serious consideration and that all options were open. McArthur was released on bail and remained on the sex offenders’ register, with the final sentence to be determined at the upcoming hearing.