LEE MCEWAN CAUGHT IN HELENSBURGH WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES DURING POLICE RAID

In a disturbing incident that unfolded in Helensburgh, police executed a surprise raid at the residence of Lee McEwan, a 29-year-old man, revealing a troubling collection of child abuse images stored on his personal electronic device. The police action took place at McEwan’s family home on Fraser Avenue, where officers arrived unannounced early in the morning, specifically at 8am on October 29, 2014.

According to court proceedings at Dumbarton Sheriff Court, officers presented a search warrant upon their arrival. The court heard that McEwan’s mother was the first to answer the door, and she promptly invited the police into the living room. Once inside, the officers were joined by McEwan himself. Both the mother and her son were cautioned before the search commenced, as the officers began examining the contents of McEwan’s Samsung Note tablet.

During the process, McEwan made a startling confession, blurting out, “I do a lot of downloading” and questioning whether he could have downloaded the illicit material by accident. His mother, visibly distressed by the situation, broke down in tears in her kitchen, overwhelmed by the discovery. McEwan then took responsibility, telling the police, “It was me. It’s nothing to do with my parents, it’s on my computer.” He further admitted to the officers, “It was me. I done something stupid. I downloaded dodgy stuff.”

Police seized the tablet and conducted a thorough examination, which confirmed the presence of two child pornography videos. One of these videos was still stored on the device, while the other had been deleted but was later recovered by investigators. The evidence was deemed sufficient to charge McEwan with possession of child abuse images.

At Clydebank Police Office, McEwan was cautioned and formally charged. When asked if he wished to make a statement, he responded, “I do not wish to make any (comment) really, other than I am guilty.” His legal representative, defence lawyer Phil Lafferty, highlighted that McEwan had cooperated fully with police from the outset of the investigation.

During the court hearing, Sheriff William Gallacher acknowledged the gravity of the case, stating, “You have pled guilty at the very earliest stage to what is a very serious charge. I’ll refrain from making any comment until I hear a plea of mitigation on your behalf.” The sheriff emphasized that all sentencing options remained open, given the seriousness of the offence. The case was adjourned, and McEwan is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on June 21.