Scottish Christian.com

Home > News > Scottish Christian News Monitor

Minister goes free from court after child porn trial blunder

A church minister accused of downloading child porn walked free from court after a shocking legal blunder.

Reverend Donald Loosemore was charged by police nearly two years ago when indecent images were allegedly found on his computer.

But a sheriff refused to hear the case last week because prosecutors had taken too long to bring it to trial.

The Crown Office say they are considering an appeal.

Meanwhile, dad-of-two Loosemore, 52, of Bellshill, Lanarkshire, is considering a return to the pulpit.

Last night, it emerged his flock at St Andrew's United Free Church had no idea he had been suspended over child-porn allegations.

Mary McGibbon, clerk to the congregational board, said: "This news has taken the feet from me completely."

Reverend John Fulton, general secretary of the United Free Church of Scotland, defended the decision to keep the congregation in the dark.

He said: "These are sensitive matters. We must assume people are innocent until proven guilty and that is the basis on which we operate.

"It is important to realise the matter has been dropped."

Full story at the Daily Record.