Hamilton OAP caught with child abuse images told police ‘It was just a laugh’

A Hamilton pensioner caught with a stash of child abuse images told police officers ‘It was just a laugh’. Officers found 240 indecent photographs and videos on a phone and a tablet belonging to John Devlin.The 71-year-old was placed on the sex offenders’ register when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android He admitted possessing child porn at his home in Cameron Crescent between November 2022 and April last year.Devlin, who has no previous convictions, also admitted sharing indecent images of youngsters with other paedophiles.Scott O’Connor, prosecuting, said police officers armed with a search warrant went to Devlin’s home shortly after 7am on April 21.They were met by him and his wife.

Both were cautioned but Devlin admitted images on two devices belonged to him, adding ‘It was just a laugh’.Sixty eight of the pictures and videos were ranked in the most depraved category.Officers also found evidence that Devlin had shared images with other people.Defence solicitor Anna MacKay said the case had caused Devlin and his wife “distress”.She added: “This gentleman is deeply, deeply ashamed to be before the court in these circumstances.”Sheriff Michael Higgins told Devlin he had pleaded guilty to “very serious matters”.The sheriff deferred sentence until next