ROSS MCKINNON FROM HALLGLEN AND FALKIRK: SHOCKING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENDER LIVES NEAR CHILDCARE IN FALKIRK

In a disturbing development that has shocked the local community, Ross McKinnon, a man with a dark history linked to child exploitation, has been placed in a residential area of Falkirk, specifically in a quiet cul-de-sac in Hallglen. This decision has raised serious concerns among residents, especially given McKinnon's past criminal activities involving child abuse images.

McKinnon, aged 34, was previously convicted after authorities uncovered a staggering collection of 31,000 child abuse images stored on his computer. His arrest was the result of a coordinated operation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States and the police forces of Central Scotland. The investigation was triggered when FBI agents in Los Angeles traced a child pornography website, leading to the identification of numerous users worldwide, including McKinnon.

Following the investigation, officers from the Central Scotland Police's computer crime unit executed a search warrant at McKinnon's residence in Falkirk. The raid uncovered an extensive cache of indecent images, which McKinnon had been involved in possessing and distributing between November 2005 and August 2006. The images included photographs of young boys and girls, some of which were particularly disturbing, and a 15-minute video featuring a young girl was also recovered during the search.

McKinnon, who previously served as the captain of the 5th Grangemouth Boys Brigade, pleaded guilty at Falkirk Sheriff Court last August to charges of possessing and distributing child pornography. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and received a jail term of 20 months, with 15 months to be served on license. The court was shown the graphic footage from his computer, which played a significant role in the sentencing process.

Despite his incarceration, McKinnon was released after serving half of his sentence. He is now residing in a flat located at the right end of a small cul-de-sac in Falkirk, just a short distance from a local childminder who expressed her outrage and concern about his presence in the neighborhood. The childminder, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “I look after kids and I’ve got children of my own, and I think it’s a disgrace he’s moved in here. He shouldn’t be living where there are young kids. There are kids going up and down all the time, and he’s going to have sick thoughts in his mind.”

Local residents have also voiced their disapproval. One neighbor, who lives nearby, remarked, “There’s no way someone like him should be living here — he should still be in jail. He’s a disgusting pervert and shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near children.” The placement of McKinnon in this residential area has sparked widespread concern, especially given his history of involvement with a Christian youth organization where he was responsible for boys as young as five. He resigned from his position immediately after his arrest became public.

The decision to house McKinnon in Falkirk was reportedly made to ensure he could be closely monitored by authorities, a measure often taken with high-risk offenders. However, the proximity to children and the community’s reaction highlight the ongoing debate about the rehabilitation and supervision of sex offenders after their release. The community’s unease underscores the importance of strict oversight and the need for ongoing vigilance to prevent any potential harm.

In related commentary, Eddie Collier, recently retired president of Falkirk and District Boys Brigade, confirmed that McKinnon had undergone the rigorous screening process required for leadership roles within the organization. Collier expressed his regret over the situation, emphasizing that the Boys Brigade and the Church of Scotland have comprehensive registration and vetting procedures designed to prevent individuals with such backgrounds from gaining access to children.

Meanwhile, McKinnon’s solicitor, Neil Hay, issued a statement expressing remorse, saying, “He has caused the Boys Brigade a great deal of embarrassment and he is sorry for that.” The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals with a history of child exploitation, and the ongoing challenges faced by communities and authorities in managing offenders post-conviction.