POLICE are investigating after the home of a dental student found guilty of repeatedly abusing a six-year-old girl was spray painted with the word, “Paedo”.
Officers were called to a property in Bearsden at around 11.05pm on Monday night following reports of vandalism.
The case involving Christopher Daniel, 18, prompted a public outcry after he was told by a sheriff he would face no punishment.
Daniel was granted an absolute discharge by Sheriff Gerard Sinclair after being found guilty at Dumbarton sheriff court for various reasons including his perceived emotional naivety.
The decision means that Daniel, who was between 15 and 17 at the time, will not be on the Sex Offenders’ Register or have any criminal record.
Read more: Call to review test of undue leniency after student found guilty of abuse walks free
A police spokeswoman said: “We were called to (an address) in Bearsden at about 11.05pm on Monday night following reports of vandalism to a house.
“Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
Prosecutors decided that the sentence could not be appealed by the Crown Office on the grounds of undue leniency because the case does not meet the high legal test required.
Conservative MSP Liam Kerr called for the Scottish Law Commission to review the test of ‘undue leniency’, suggesting that the Crown is restricted in its ability to appeal sentences.
He said:“We all agree that politicians should not interfere with the independence of the Judiciary.
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“But politicians do set out the parameters for sentencing. Indeed, the SNP will shortly seek to implement a presumption against sentences of less than 12 months and thus it does accept that politicians have a role in how sentencing, and therefore appeals, operate.
“There is a role for polticians in ensuring our justice system meets the needs of victims and society, and it is crucial that victims understand and have faith in our system.”
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