A FORMER depute fiscal who downloaded indecent images of children is being allowed to complete his community service by attending night classes.
Stuart MacFarlane was ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work in the community after admitting the offence on indictment.
Sheriff James Spy expressed surprise the 45-year-old was being credited towards the hours of unpaid work by attending classes at Glasgow University. Progress reports submitted to Paisley Sheriff Court showed he had been credited with 32 hours of unpaid work by attending evening classes.
The sheriff raised questions about whether it was right for that to be allowed to happen. He said: "Unpaid work is for the benefit of the community and these orders have to be seen to be of some value by the public at large."
MacFarlane, of Mount Florida, Glasgow, was back in trouble with the authorities after he "inadvertently" deleted his internet browsing history when attempting to change programmes on his computer. Solicitor advocate Murray Macara told the court his client was adamant nothing untoward would come to light.
Sheriff Spy has ordered a further review of MacFarlane's progress for January 10 when the findings will be made available. He otherwise commended him as he had complied in every other way with the court order made in September.
Mr Macara said his client was trying to bring about "self-betterment", which in the long term would be beneficial.
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