Cumbernauld woman had indecent images and encouraged rape of babies

Helen Hughes shared images with other paedophiles and encouraged the rape of babies and children with them.

She wept as she was led to the cells at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week.

Hughes, 43, of Kilbowie Road, admitted downloading indecent images between July 2024 and December last year.

She also admitted sharing depraved material and sending messages in which she encouraged the sexual abuse and rape of babies and children.

Steven Lynch, prosecuting, said police officers seized a mobile phone and a tablet during a search of her home.

Specialist officers analysed the devices and found 8283 photographs that showed children being sexually abused. More than 1000 of those were rated Category A, the most depraved.

There were also 840 videos and 633 of those were in Category A.

Mr Lynch told the court: "Analysis of the devices showed the accused engaged with others in conversations discussing and encouraging the sexual abuse of children and infants.

"She distributed 27 Category A videos and 1 Category B video to other users on social media apps. Most were sent to a user named Filthy One."

Hughes was on bail when she arrived at court for the hearing, but Sheriff Paul Haran ordered her to be kept in custody while background reports are prepared ahead of sentence.

The sheriff told her: "You have pleaded guilty to serious offences involving not only possession but distribution of child sexual abuse material.

"The matter is sufficiently serious that the likely outcome is a custodial sentence, so you will be remanded in custody meantime."

Sentence was deferred until October 30 for a criminal justice social work report, electronic tagging assessment and risk assessment.

Hughes was placed on the sex offenders' register.

The sheriff ordered the destruction of her phone and tablet.