Ex-councillor jailed for having indecent images of children

A former councillor has been jailed for 28 months after admitting possessing indecent images of children.

Craig Edward, 34, who represented Clydebank Central, pled guilty to three charges which took place between 2016 and 2022.

Edward was elected as a Scottish Labour councillor in May 2022, but was removed from the party following his arrest that September.

West Dunbartonshire Council confirmed he resigned as a councillor last week.

He had continued to represent the community as an independent councillor after pleading guilty to the crimes.

The Clydebank Post reported Edward was found to be in possession of 599 images and 93 videos of children. He also took or permitted to be taken or made indecent photos or pseudo-photos of children.

During sentencing, Sheriff William Gallacher said the images "plumb the depths of depravity and abuse".

Det Insp Michelle Burns of Police Scotland's national child abuse investigation unit, said: "The offending and behaviour of Edward was appalling. He showed utter contempt for the child victims and the horrific sexual abuse they suffered, in the images and videos he was viewing and sharing.

"In committing these crimes, Edward believed that his online offending would go undetected. However, there is no hiding place and because of our investigation he will now rightly face a custodial sentence and the consequences of his actions."

Edward was placed on the sex offenders register and he will be required to notify the police of any changes to personal information for 10 years.

He was also given a five-year sexual harm prevention order.

An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: "As a local councillor, Edward held a position of trust within the community, yet at home he was downloading horrendous images of child abuse.

"These crimes are far from victimless. By viewing and sharing illegal images of children, Edward has fuelled demand in such material which can impact children for the rest of their lives.

"We hope the outcome of this case demonstrates nobody is immune from the law, regardless of the position they hold in society."