An Airdrie Paedophile, Barry Stevenson, released on bail after being apprehended with child sex abuse photographs subsequently transmitted an intimate photograph of himself to an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl.
Barry Stevenson, 28, was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Airdrie Sheriff Court and will be subject to supervision for two years upon his release.
Barry Stevenson, lacking any prior convictions, was furthermore registered on the sex offenders’ list for a duration of 10 years.
He confessed to downloading child pornography at his residence on Whinhall Avenue, Airdrie, between November 2022 and January 2024.
Barry Stevenson acknowledged transmitting a nude photograph of himself to a police decoy and soliciting intimate images in return.
The offence occurred in May of the previous year when he was on bail for the obscene pictures accusation.
The court was informed that, when questioned regarding suspicions of possessing child sex abuse material, Barry Stevenson stated to the police officers: “I have nothing to conceal.” I have not conducted any searches.
Indecent photographs were discovered on two of his mobile devices.
Annette Ward, prosecuting, said Barry Stevenson later began a conversation with an undercover officer on Snapchat who told him she was 13.
He started talking about “naughty” pictures and said he’d sent them to “lots of people”, but never to anyone under 19 and only when he was asked.
Barry Stevenson said “no one would find out” if she sent him such an image then he sent a naked one of himself.
Ms Ward told the court: “The decoy stated she lived near Leicester and the accused said he could drive down to see her, adding ‘We could do whatever you wanted. Would you be able to take the day off school to hang out with me? You’re too cute’.”
The pair chatted online for several days before police officers arrested Barry Stevenson again.
Defence lawyer Matthew McGovern conceded that Barry Stevenson “has a sexual interest in children”, but added: “There might be a realistic prospect of rehabilitation as the first step in dealing with a problem is accepting that there is one.
“A robust community sentence would place him under watch by the court.
“He and his partner are still together despite these offences and she is supportive.
“She is also pregnant and a custodial sentence would have a significant impact on her.”
But Sheriff Derek Livingston said only jail was appropriate because, having been bailed, Barry Stevenson had committed a further offence.
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