THREE vile paedophiles are back out on the streets after avoiding jail for their sick offences.

Over a number of years, Robert McDermitt, Iain Kidd and Fillip Hannisdal collected indecent images of children. They also took – or permitted to be taken – lewd images of kids. In addition, the perverts also had extreme porn in their possession that depicted people performing sex acts with animals.

Despite their crimes, the men were handed community-based disposals at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week to focus on their rehabilitation.

Following the conclusion of their cases, a spokesperson from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) Scotland, said: "The production and distribution of images of child abuse is a global criminal industry which must be stopped in its tracks.

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“Behind every image is a real child suffering appalling abuse and the actions of these men have only fuelled the demand for this sickening material to be produced.

"NSPCC Scotland works in schools and in the community to prevent abuse and is campaigning for internet companies to do far more to prevent vile abuse images from being produced in the first place."

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McDermitt, 61, carried out his crimes between 2008 and 2017.

In defence, his lawyer claimed that the accused cared for his elderly mother and was worried how she would cope if he was sent to prison.

McDermitt, of Albany Avenue in Springboig, was said to be battling prostate cancer and will have to undergo medical treatment.

His lawyer stated: "Mr McDermitt has learned his lesson and this will never occur again."

Iain Kidd, 30, carried out his crimes between 2005 and 2017.

He too was said to look after his mother and feared that a jail sentence would have a knock-on affect on her care.

Defending, Ross Yuill stated: "Mr Kidd is terrified of spending a minute in custody.

"He is very fearful of that."

Kidd, of Inkerman Road in Hillington, acknowledged the serious nature of the charges, the number of images, and the fact he had committed the crimes for over a decade.

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Mr Yuill claimed that a community-based disposal would be more appropriate to focus on deterrence and rehabilitation. He highlighted that since the matter came to light, Kidd has taken steps and self-referred himself to the Stop It Now! Scotland group.

Mr Yuill stated that justice would be better served by putting in a robust order, noting: "If he goes to prison, in short, very little work is done with him."

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Fillip Hannisdal, 31, carried out his crimes between 2014 and 2017.

Defending, Ms Maitland claimed her client was a "useful member of society".

The accused, of Gunn Quadrant in Bellshill, had never been in trouble before and "dreaded custody".

Ms Maitland said: "He is embarrassed of the situation."

Hannisdal, who is originally from Norway, was said to have had an abusive relationship with his mother.

Ms Maitland agreed that custody would be an "appropriate punishment", but it would not serve the community in the long-run.

She stated: "He has accepted and acknowledged his wrongdoing here.

"The key here is rehabilitation.

"He is remorseful."

Sheriff Peter McCormack sentenced all three men to a Community Payback Order with supervision for three years as a direct alternative to custody. They were also handed a Restriction of Liberty Order, in which they will have to remain at home between the hours of 7pm and 7am for six months.

In addition, they were placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for three years and are not allowed unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16.

The men have also been ordered to engage with the Moving Forward Making Changes behavioural programme – which is designed to provide treatment for people who commit sexual offences or offences with a sexual element.

In respect to their online use, all three men have been banned from using Firefox web browser and they must make their internet history available instantly on request.

Both Kidd and Hannisdal, who appeared in the dock together, have additionally been banned from installing software that removes computer files and are prohibited from using devices that access the internet unless they retain the web history.

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Throughout September the NSPCC’s new TV advert will showcase the wide-variety of services the charity provides to hundreds of children every day to support their recovery from abuse; and to help prevent it from happening in the first place.

The advert features real NSPCC staff and volunteers and is filmed in the service centres where they work with children and families.

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free, 24/7, on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline at any time on 0800 1111.

Stop It Now! Scotland also provides support services to individuals and their families with problematic sexual thoughts and those who may be at risk of sexual offending. This includes those who are under investigation for internet offences. For more information, call  0131 556 3535.