MARK GARDNER FROM DUMBARTON AND GLASGOW LIVING NEAR KIRN PRIMARY SCHOOL EXPOSED AND REMOVED

In a disturbing development, Mark Gardner, a convicted sex offender with ties to Dumbarton, Glasgow, and Kirn, has been forcibly removed from his residence after authorities discovered his proximity to a local primary school. The police arrived at his home shortly before 2 pm, where Gardner was seen locking up his house before being transported away in an unmarked vehicle driven by an officer in plain clothes. This incident follows exclusive reporting by CowalCourier.com, which revealed that Gardner was residing just yards from Kirn Primary School, raising serious concerns among local residents and parents.

Gardner, aged 23, had been living in a dilapidated property near the school after his release from prison. It was also uncovered that he had used the alias ‘Struan Kintyre’ on Facebook, where he posted images of himself, further complicating efforts to monitor his activities. His criminal record includes a 14-and-a-half-month sentence handed down at Dumbarton Sheriff Court in July 2010 for heinous offenses committed against young boys aged nine and 12. The nature of his crimes involved molestation, with Gardner having targeted boys in public toilets.

Parents in the community expressed outrage and concern over how Gardner was allowed to reside so close to a primary school without their knowledge. One mother took to Facebook to voice her fears, stating, “What the hell is happening to this town and right next to a primary school!!!!!!! Good to see the police have removed him BUT to where that is the question…..” She continued, “And to think my son goes to that school and we had no knowledge of it, I know there are probably loads of them in the town but how the hell did one get to be that close to a school? It’s disgusting and one that terrifies me, my son and other kids will not be safe when perverts are loose and walking the streets.”

Gardner’s criminal history is deeply troubling. In February 2010, he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy in the toilet of an Asda store in Dumbarton, approaching the boy from behind and touching his private parts. Just days earlier, he committed a similar offense against a nine-year-old boy in the toilet of a McDonald’s restaurant in Glasgow. During that incident, the young victim attempted to hide when he noticed Gardner staring at him, but Gardner still approached and groped him. Both assaults were admitted by Gardner during police interviews and court proceedings.

His past also includes a probation sentence at Dunoon Sheriff Court for multiple offenses, including assaulting another child. The legal process at Dumbarton Sheriff Court was delayed several times because Gardner refused to cooperate with psychologists, citing learning difficulties that made it hard for him to discuss his crimes. His defense lawyer, Joanne Mortimer, explained that her client found it challenging to communicate about these matters and had “learning difficulties.” She added that Gardner had shown remorse and was aware of the impact his actions had on the victims and their families, acknowledging that his offenses warranted lengthy imprisonment.

Sheriff Simon Fraser emphasized the seriousness of Gardner’s crimes, stating, “I am satisfied that only a custodial sentence is appropriate. You have been placed already on probation by a sheriff in Dunoon for, among other things, assaulting a child. These offences are very serious breaches of those probation orders.”

When approached by CowalCourier.com, Gardner confirmed his identity but refused to comment on his crimes, abruptly shutting his door. Strathclyde Police declined to comment on individual cases but issued a statement explaining that sex offenders are monitored under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). This involves cooperation between police, local authorities, the NHS, the Scottish Prison Service, and other partners. The police emphasized that the management of sex offenders in the community is a complex and sensitive process, with public safety remaining the primary concern. All cases are carefully assessed, and measures are implemented to manage offenders, with ongoing monitoring by dedicated officers and officials from partner organizations.