SHAUN BUTLER FROM BATHGATE CAUGHT WITH EXTREME ANIMAL AND CHILD ABUSE MATERIAL IN SHOCKING COMPUTER CRIME CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Shaun Butler, a resident of Bathgate, has been found guilty of possessing and sharing highly disturbing images involving both animals and children. The case came to light after police investigations revealed that Butler had been engaged in the possession of extreme material, despite being under strict legal obligations to avoid such content.

According to court reports, the investigation was initiated when police officers from specialist offender management units visited Butler’s residence on August 12. During the visit, officers observed a laptop left open on a coffee table in the living room. When asked for permission to examine the device, Butler cooperated. The forensic analysis uncovered a troubling collection of files, including nearly 500 images depicting bestiality involving dogs and horses. These files had been created on January 17, 2017, and last accessed on August 11, 2019, indicating ongoing interest in such material.

Further examination of the laptop revealed additional evidence of child exploitation. Police found information suggesting the presence of indecent images of children, prompting a search warrant for Butler’s home. On July 7 of the previous year, authorities seized a Samsung Galaxy tablet from his residence, which tested positive for indecent images. The device contained a significant number of illicit images and videos, categorized into three levels of severity: 63 images in Category A, the most serious, 526 in Category B, and 1,388 in Category C.

Shaun Butler’s criminal history includes a previous conviction from Cupar Sheriff Court in 2013, where he was sentenced to 34 months in prison for possessing and sharing approximately 6,000 images of babies and young children being sexually abused. Despite this, Butler returned to offending just a few months after his release, demonstrating a troubling pattern of behavior.

At Livingston Sheriff Court, he was remanded in custody and warned that he could face another lengthy prison sentence. On July 7, 2020, Butler pleaded guilty to charges of possessing extreme material involving animals and children. The offences occurred while he was subject to a legal order that mandated police checks on his computer equipment. The court was informed that Butler’s actions violated the conditions of his supervision, leading to his current remand.

Prosecutor Kate Irwin stated that two police officers had visited Butler’s home and observed the open laptop. The files found on the device indicated the creation and access of extreme pornographic material involving animals, with the earliest files dating back to January 2017. The forensic examination confirmed the presence of highly disturbing images involving penetrative acts with dogs and horses.

In addition to the computer evidence, authorities found a tablet that contained a large cache of illicit images and videos. The images were categorized into three levels of severity, with 63 in the most serious category. The police also discovered that Butler’s activities were ongoing despite previous convictions and legal restrictions.

As part of his sentencing, Sheriff Peter Hammond ordered that Shaun Butler be added to the Sex Offenders Register for a second time, with the duration to be decided at a later date. The court also imposed a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits Butler from possessing software capable of permanently deleting material or having a computer capable of storing such images unless he makes it available for police inspection upon request. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect the community from further harm.