A “socially uncomfortable” paedophile snared with more than 1,600 indecent images of children has avoided a prison term.
First offender Robert Donnachie’s attitude to the offence presented a sentencing sheriff with such a difficulty that the 34-year-old will return to Forfar Sheriff Court in three months’ time for consideration of whether or not the accused is ready for participation in the Tay Project for sex offenders.
Donnachie, of Park Avenue in Dundee and formerly of Monifieth previously admitted an indictment alleging the possession of the vile haul on February 11, the majority of the material being at category CÂ on the Sexual Offences Definitive Guideline.
Sentence was deferred for the preparation of criminal justice social work reports, but defence solicitor Billy Rennie said their content might prevent a community-based disposal being considered after the accused was deemed unsuitable for the Tay Project.
“Mr Donnachie is socially uncomfortable in life and to find himself in this position – someone who is educated with a degree in architecture – has made him even more uncomfortable.
“He did not present well to social workers, but understands the damage the dissemination of these images has, even if that did not come across in the reports.
“He has withdrawn from his family, friends and normality in relation to these matters”
Mr Rennie presented a letter to the court which, he said, indicated Donnachie had given “serious consideration” to the offence.
He said it had not been the accused’s intention to minimise the offence, but the reports had not helped in that regard.
Sheriff Murray imposed a three-year Community Payback Order on Donnachie, including 200 hours of unpaid work, the maximum number available in light of the accused’s early plea.
Donnachie’s name will also be added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for the duration of the order, which will include conditions banning him from having any contact with under 16s without prior approval, or possessing any device capable of accessing the internet without its password and serial number being available to supervising officers.
- See Saturday’s Courier for more on this story.
