MICHAEL KERR FROM CALLANDER SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING CHILDREN

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Callander, Michael Kerr, a 59-year-old local football coach, has been formally placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of three years following his conviction for possessing indecent photographs of children. Kerr’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings have brought to light disturbing details about his activities and his prior involvement with youth sports in the area.

According to court records, Kerr was found to have been in possession of indecent images, including pseudo-photographs of children, at his residence in Callander. The offences occurred over a span of approximately a year and a half, from May 17, 2011, to October 16, 2012, at his former home located on Lagrannoch Crescent. The charges also included taking, permitting to be taken, or making indecent photographs of children, which further compounded the severity of his actions.

At the hearing held at Stirling Sheriff Court, Kerr pleaded guilty to all charges. His solicitor, Gordon Murphy, addressed the court, emphasizing the personal toll the offences had taken on Kerr. Murphy explained that Kerr had lost contact with some of his family members and had to leave his home of four decades, relocating to temporary accommodation. Since his arrest, Kerr had ceased working and remained unemployed.

Regarding the nature of the material found, Murphy stated that Kerr’s possession was solely for personal use, with no evidence suggesting he intended to share or distribute the images. He acknowledged that Kerr was aware of the hurt his conduct could cause and appeared to have some insight into the gravity of his actions. The social work assessment described Kerr as being at a “low risk of re-offending,” and suggested that his risk could be effectively managed within the community, especially with a community payback order in place.

Throughout the proceedings, Murphy highlighted Kerr’s cooperative attitude and noted that he had no prior criminal record. He also pointed out Kerr’s age and the fact that he had never previously been involved in trouble with the law.

In sentencing, Sheriff William Gilchrist recognized the seriousness of the offences, which could have resulted in imprisonment. However, considering Kerr’s age, lack of previous convictions, and the low risk of re-offending, the sheriff opted for a community-based sentence. Kerr was ordered to serve a three-year supervision period under a community payback order, which included two specific conduct requirements: he must not access the internet without approval from his supervising officer, and he must reside only at addresses approved by the officer.

Additionally, Sheriff Gilchrist imposed a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, explicitly prohibiting Kerr from having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 17. As part of the sentence, Kerr was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for three years, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable minors in the community of Callander.