The student who uploaded images from two of his former classmates to an X-rated site and altered them was spared prison
James Devenport was 25 years old and had known his victims for a while, although he had stopped contacting them for over 10 years.
However, the shocked women found out that the photos had been edited and posted on adult sites.
Devenport of Belfast was present at Hamilton Sheriff Court. He admitted that he had posted indecent images of the women online as well as communicating inappropriately with them during January and December of last year.
A Sheriff found that he had other options than jail for him, and he admitted to possessing indecent photographs of children.
Sheriff Ray Small put him under surveillance for three-years and forbid him from approaching any of the women for three consecutive years.
James Devenport (pictured), 25, admitted posting indecent sexual images of the women online and communicating indecently with them between January and December last year and also pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children
Although the victims cannot be identified for legal reasons they repeatedly asked to remove images, these were still uploaded.
Unknown user also posted vile comments and sexual remarks to their Instagram or Facebook accounts.
Also, a Twitter account was created that featured an image from the second victim as well as links to other social networking profiles.
After the victim of porn site X Hamster gave his information, a police investigation led to Devenport’s identification through his IP address.
When officers arrived at his home in Carmunnock, Glasgow, he said: ‘I might as well tell you because you’ll find out anyways. That was me. I’m so sorry, I need help.’
Also, a search revealed that he also had nine photos showing child sexual abuse from a hard drive.
Abby Seal, depute fiscal: “Police made an inquiry to the website to verify subscriber details as well as additional identifiers that were attached to accounts usernames.
Both accounts were accessed from the same IP address, which was also attached to the house of the accuser.
Police visited his house and found a HP laptop. They also discovered a CV, transcripts of academic honours from Glasgow Caledonian University.
Multiple photos pertaining to the witness first were found, along with various files that relates to the second.
Devenport made his appearance at Hamilton Sheriff Court, (pictured), and was given supervision for three-years. He was also banned from approaching either of the women for three consecutive years.
Bobby Reid, the defender, stated that Devenport had “a very promising career ahead of him” but has lost his job since then.
He stated that he accepted full responsibility and was completely remorseful, but could not explain his motives for the actions.
Sheriff Small stated that he pleaded guilty to crimes which were bizarre, shocking, and disgusting. These offences must have been distressing for the people they were directed at.
‘Custody had been uppermost in my mind but I’ve come to the view that I cannot be satisfied that no other sentence than custody is appropriate and I’ve come to the view that other options are an appropriate disposal.’
Devenport was put on the sex offenders’ register for three years and banned from having unsupervised contact with children under 18.
Additionally, he will be monitored for internet use and take part in a program to sex offenders over two years.