Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth charged over indecent images

Labour MSP Colin Smyth has been arrested and charged over possession of indecent images of children.

The 52-year-old, who has represented South Scotland at Holyrood since 2016, was arrested at a property in Dumfries earlier this month.

Smyth has been suspended by Scottish Labour and is now listed as an independent on the parliament website.

He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.

Earlier this week former Fife Labour councillor David Graham was jailed for sexual offences against a teenage girl.

Man sentenced for explosive offences and possession of indecent images

An Edinburgh man has been sentenced to 44 months in prison for explosives offences and possession of incident images of children.

Ryan O’Donnell, 37 was sentenced yesterday, Wednesday, 12 February, 2025, at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Mixed powders, including potassium nitrate, were found at his home address in Edinburgh, as well as equipment that could be used to make homemade explosives.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years for possession of almost 1500 images of children.

Detective Sergeant Jordan Sharp said: “The substances O’Donnell possessed were dangerous and could have caused serious harm if they had been used.

“The unlicenced manufacturing of homemade explosives is illegal, irrespective of the intention, and places the public at risk.

“He will also face the consequences of his actions for possessing indecent images of children. Sexual exploitation is despicable, and we remain committed to protecting children.

“We have highly trained, specialist officers, across the country who can investigate such offences and, working with partners, ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”