A former bus driver from Dundee said he “must have” acquired indecent images of children from one of the many social media groups and Whatsapp groups he administrates.
Abdul Radwan was sentenced to a year’s supervision, having previously admitted possessing indecent files on his phone.
Tearful Radwan was assisted in court by an Arabic interpreter.
Defending solicitor Andrew Seggie said Radwan was sent the images via social media.
Mr Seggie said: “His position is, around that time he was administrator to several social media groups and Whatsapp chats.
“He has no recollection of how the images were sent.”
Mr Seggie explained his client, a father, conceded he opened the files more than once.
“He can’t offer any explanation for why he did this.
“He simply truly regrets his conduct.
“He’s an educated man. He displays a good work ethic.
“He’s extremely grateful for support shown by his wife.”
Not guilty to animal image charge
Sheriff James Williamson placed Radwan on the Sex Offenders Register for a year and added a string of conduct requirements to his supervision order.
He must not have access to the internet unless the device he is using can store its search history and must make no efforts or use any software to hide the history.
Radwan must also make any devices available to supervisors or police for inspection at any point.
Defence agent Andrew Seggie said Radwan has lost his job driving buses since the offences came to light.
Radwan, of Ladywell Avenue, Dundee, admitted creating indecent images of children between May 2016 and September 2020.
A plea of not guilty to a charge of possessing an extreme pornographic image of a male and a horse was accepted by the Crown.
Police raid
Radwan was caught with pictures of adults abusing children as young as three.
The 58-year-old was found to have images involving sex between children and adults, as well as sexual activity between minors.
All of the images were rated at category A – the most serious – or category B and involved children between the ages of three and five.
Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court heard police raided Radwan’s address in Glenrothes while he was out.
At a previous hearing, fiscal depute Alistair McDermid said: “The locus was the home address of the accused.
“At around 8.50am in September 9, 2020, officers of Police Scotland executed a search warrant.
“They were allowed into the address by the accused’s wife, who was home alone.
“At 9.10am the accused arrived at the locus and was made aware of the inquiry.
“He provided his mobile phone and password.
“He stated he had not stored indecent images on any other device at the address.”
Radwan’s phone was found to contain five category A images as well as three category B images.
