Gerald McGory was convicted of viewing and distributing indecent images and videos of children as young as three years old. He pled guilty to the charges and the sentencing sheriff imposed a custodial sentence of 27 months. 

A Criminal Justice Social Work Report was obtained and it stated that he ‘lacked empathy for the victims. The report stated that he had a ‘poor understanding’ of the crimes and that he had attempted to minimise responsibility for his actions. 

It was revealed that his phone contained 72 indecent images and videos of children, 69 of which were accessible. The images and videos were made up of category A, B and C. 

His solicitor stated:  “It is with abhorrence that society views his type of offending behaviour. He made a choice and, with hindsight, a serious error of judgement on his part. It is fair to say that he will have difficulty in obtaining further employment.”

McGory appealed his sentence and the appeal court reduced the overall term from 27 months to 15 months. He will be kept on license and under social work supervision for one year after his release from prison. The extended part of the sentence was imposed by Sheriff Linda Smith who explained that she had reflected carefully on the case. He will remain subject to notification requirements for ten years.