A YOUNG man who downloaded indecent images of children has been ordered to receive treatment.

Alistair McKeeman, of Birks Hill, Irvine, was also placed on the sex offenders register after pleading guilty to two offences of downloading and possessing indecent images.

When he returned to court for sentencing on Wednesday, June 20, McKeeman’s defence said he now understood the seriousness of the offence and the harm the images caused.

The court heard 26-year-old McKeeman’s then partner found the offending data. When confronted he didn’t deny the offence and she then went to the police.

Defence solicitor Ashley Kane said: “His position is he is attracted to girls aged 12 onwards.

“He accepts responsibility and pled guilty and accepts this is completely unacceptable.

“He is no longer viewing these but accepts that he has an attraction to older children.

“He is able to accept the mental, psychological impact of the victims. He is now aware it doesn’t stop at the images and they contributed to physical and psychological harm.

“I would suggest rather than a custodial option there is quite a bit of scope for a Community Payback Order and period of supervision to address concerns.”

Sheriff Iona McDonald said: “On balance it would be better for the community for you to receive treatment.”

McKeeman received a Community Payback Order with supervision for two years and must register in the Moving Forward, Making Changes programme for three years.

He also must not use any internet-abled device unless it retains its history, not to delete or install software which disguises internet history and share his passwords with police.

He was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of three years.