SEAN MASTERSON REMOVED FROM CHILDCARE REGISTER IN DUNDEE OVER INDECENT IMAGES

A childcare professional from Dundee, Sean Masterton, has been officially removed from the register of approved practitioners following his admission to possessing indecent images of children. The decision was made by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing social service workers in Scotland.

Masterton, aged 27, faced legal proceedings at Dundee Sheriff Court in September, where he was convicted of possessing indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. The court established that between July 8 and November 2, 2018, he was found to be in possession of two such images. These images were recovered during a police raid on his residence in the Whitfield area of Dundee, where officers seized his Samsung phone.

Following his conviction, Masterton was sentenced in October 2019 to a community payback order, which included a supervision period of three years. It was clarified that the offences did not occur during his employment, and he was not working at any childcare facility at the time of the offences. During that period, he was registered as a practitioner in the field of childcare, a role that involves identifying and meeting the care, support, and learning needs of children.

In a subsequent hearing conducted via videoconference due to ongoing restrictions, the Scottish Social Services Council panel reviewed Masterton’s case. The panel decided to issue a removal order from the social services register, citing concerns over public protection and the public interest. The panel emphasized that the offences were closely related to Masterton’s professional role and considered his conduct to be entirely incompatible with the responsibilities of caring for children.

During the hearing, SSSC officers pointed out that Masterton’s behaviour demonstrated his unsuitability to be trusted with the care of children. It was also noted that Masterton participated in the hearing but did not show any acknowledgment of his wrongdoing, nor did he express regret or offer an apology for his actions. His employer at the time of the offences was not disclosed, although it was noted that he was described as a “sessional worker” and had not worked any shifts since the end of 2017.

The panel concluded that a suspension from the register would not sufficiently protect the public or service users. Therefore, they decided that the most appropriate course of action was to remove Masterton from the register entirely. This removal order is scheduled to take effect on June 10, ensuring he is no longer authorized to work in the childcare sector in Scotland.