DUMBARTON CHILD PORN OFFENDER ROBERT MCGRANDLE SENTENCED TO SIX MONTHS IN JAIL

In June 2019, a disturbing case involving Robert McGrandle, a resident of Dumbarton, unfolded in the local court system. The case centered around his possession of nearly 200 indecent images of children, a serious criminal offense that drew significant attention from law enforcement and the judiciary alike.

McGrandle, who was only 22 years old at the time, had previously admitted to two charges related to child pornography in February 2018. The charges stemmed from a police raid conducted at his residence on Alclutha Avenue in Dumbarton, where authorities discovered a collection of 191 illicit images stored in his bedroom. Among these images, 11 were classified as 'category B,' indicating a high level of severity, while the remaining 180 fell into the less serious 'category C' classification. The disturbing content included photographs of children as young as ten years old, highlighting the grave nature of the offense.

Following his initial conviction, McGrandle was placed under the supervision of social workers and was required to register as a sex offender. Despite these measures and explicit warnings from the court, he failed to adhere to the conditions of his community payback order. He breached the order twice, actions that prompted the court to reconsider his suitability for alternative sentencing options.

On the day of the hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court, a sheriff requested a report to determine whether McGrandle was suitable for an extended sentence, which involves a longer period of supervision on license after release from prison. His solicitor, Gail Campbell, argued that her client had made some positive changes in his life, including securing his own tenancy, entering into what he described as a stable relationship, and gaining employment. She also mentioned McGrandle’s hope to participate in a psychological treatment program at Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow, which could address underlying issues, but emphasized that no assessment could be conducted until the ongoing court case was resolved.

However, Sheriff Simon Pender expressed concern over McGrandle’s repeated breaches of court orders. He pointed out that the defendant had 'decided to breach this order – twice,' and questioned the confidence the court could have in his future compliance. Campbell responded that her client consistently attended supervision sessions and was cooperative, despite his struggles in daily life. She urged the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, asserting that McGrandle was aware of the gravity of his actions and was willing to cooperate if given a chance.

Despite these pleas, Sheriff Pender was unconvinced. He highlighted that McGrandle had been warned multiple times and yet chose to violate the court’s instructions again. After a brief recess, the sheriff concluded that the seriousness of the offenses and the pattern of breaches warranted a custodial sentence. McGrandle was subsequently sentenced to six months in jail. Upon release, he will be subject to a two-year period of supervision on license, ensuring continued monitoring of his conduct.

As McGrandle was led from the courtroom, he was visibly emotional, wiping away tears. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the justice system in dealing with offenders involved in child exploitation and the importance of strict enforcement of court orders to protect vulnerable children and the community at large.