Sheriff Drummond told Arnot he had a duty to protect the public.

Published: Wednesday, 14th January, 2009 09:00

Paedophile brands police Nazis

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Sheriff Drummond told Arnot he had a duty to protect the public.

A PAEDOPHILE banned from having access to the internet was caught with a computer in his home in Galashiels and a mobile phone with internet access after he sent an abusive letter to social work staff condemning his punishment - by email.

Michael Arnot, 44, of St Andrews Street, had previously admitted possessing indecent photographs of children and was sentenced at Selkirk Sheriff Court in June last year. It was his second offence for downloading child porn.

However, he was back in the dock on Monday after he admitted failing to comply with the probation order imposed.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond said: “The way this has come to the attention of police is the abusive email, running to five pages, to the social work department indicating that he has access to the internet. And the email makes it clear he is doing his utmost to avoid co-operation with the authorities.”

However, Arnot’s solicitor Mark Harrower claimed his client, who had described police as dictators and Nazis, no longer had access to the internet.

He insisted he asked a friend to send the email in October but wrote a hand written letter to the court apologising for his outburst.

Mr Harrower, who pointed out police and social work staff now visit Arnot’s home every week to prevent him reoffending, said: “He lives a rather lonely life and when he wrote it (the email) he was upset.”

But he added: “He has mental health issues and he knows what will happen if he puts another foot wrong.”

Continuing the probation order, giving Arnot one last chance to behave, Sheriff Drummond said: “This was imposed for public safety and I hope there will now be compliance. Had it not been for your difficulties I would be dealing with this rather differently.”

amcgilvray@bordertelegraph.com