Liam Milne, 26, of Espieside Crescent, Coatbridge, has been remanded in custody after admitting downloading and sharing indecent images of children. The offences occurred between October 2023 and May last year, just months after he was spared jail for similar charges.
Details of the Offences
Milne admitted downloading indecent images of children between October 2023 and May last year. He also admitted distributing or sharing child sex abuse videos and photos between March and May last year.
Airdrie Sheriff Court heard he was placed on a community payback order in October 2024 in respect of similar charges. Milne admitted breaching that order by committing the latest offences.
Investigation and Evidence
Katie Allen, prosecuting, said police seized a phone during a search of his home on May 19 last year. It contained 368 photos and 144 videos, all showing children being sexually abused.
Ms Allen told the court: "Examination of the phone also showed that the accused had been actively seeking out other users on a chat application and discussing child sexual exploitation material. He had shared 18 videos and four photographs with other users."
Court Proceedings and Impact
Noting Milne's previous conviction, Sheriff Joseph Hughes said: "It's a significant development that these are exactly the same type of offences, committed over a longer period and post-dating the previous case."
Milne has been in custody since June after admitting breaching the previous CPO. Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports and a risk assessment. He was again remanded in custody and the sheriff told him: "I have no doubt, given the narration of facts in this case and your previous conviction, that the only appropriate sentence is imprisonment."
Milne remains on the sex offenders' register and the sheriff will rule on a Crown request for a five-year sexual harm prevention order to be imposed. This would place a number of restrictions on him when he is freed.
