A Dundee child rapist has been handed extra jail time after being caught behind bars with a handcrafted weapon made with lollipop sticks.
Perth Prison guards discovered the illicit item – made of two wooden sticks and a piece of metal – while searching the cell of convicted sex offender Bryan Wilson.
Wilson, who was caged in 2021 for raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl, claimed the weapon was an innocent shelving unit.
He was also caught with two unauthorised SIM cards.
Wilson appeared via video link at HMP Perth under new name Bryan Coleman.
He admitted having the three illegal items on August 19 last year.
The court heard the sex criminal had been receiving calls and dishing out advice while in jail, as a volunteer for The Samaritans.
Hidden in kettle plug
Fiscal depute Sarah Wikinson told the court: “At about 10.10am, officers carried out a search of the accused’s cell.
“He was asked if he was holding any illicit items, to which he replied he was not.”
Wilson was checked over, then removed from his cell while the search continued.
“The accused provided information that there was a SIM card within the plug of the kettle,” the fiscal depute said.
“After removing the fuse cover of the plug, officers could see the SIM card concealed under the fuse.
“They then discovered a homemade weapon made of lolly sticks and a metal point, held together by tape, on a shelf beside the sink.
“A dark-coloured Nokia phone was also found, which had an illicit SIM card within.”
The prison has been plagued with SIM card crimes after mobile phones were distributed to all Scottish inmates during the first Covid lockdown.
To solve the problem, the Scottish Prison Service has announced plans to install landline-style phones in each cell.
Samaritans helper
Solicitor Billy Somerville, defending, said his client’s earliest release date was 2028.
“He had been concerned about various family members and foolishly decided to use SIM cards to keep in touch with them,” he said.
“In regard with the other item discovered, while it could be used as a weapon, Mr Wilson was using it to put it into the wall to form a makeshift shelf.
“If someone tried to attack someone with two lollypop sticks and a bit of metal, it would likely have no impact whatsoever.”
Mr Somerville added: “He is progressing well within the jail.
“I understand he is a volunteer for the Samaritans.
“He can, while in the jail, receive calls from vulnerable people and assist them, as someone who knows where he went wrong.”
Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC told Wilson: “These are serious matters.”
She imposed a consecutive sentence of four months imprisonment.
Despicable offences
Wilson appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2021 and admitted plying his teenage victim with vodka before raping her.
He further admitted a catalogue of rape and abuse involving a second woman, as well as a child cruelty charge.
Lady Poole told Wilson his offences were “despicable”.
She said: “It’s quite clear the instances of your offending had devastating and long-term consequences for both (rape victims).
“I consider you pose a risk of harm to the public when you are eventually released… in particular to females.”
Wilson was placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
For more local court content visit our dedicated page, or join us on Facebook.
