David Howarth

David Howarth, a 62-year-old man from Symon Tower in Falkirk, was sentenced for possessing a vast collection of child abuse material. Between January 2024 and January 2025, Howarth downloaded more than 24,000 indecent images of children, with hundreds classified as category A—the most severe type depicting explicit abuse. The collection also included videos totalling over six hours, with the longest exceeding 50 minutes, featuring children aged between four and 15 years old.

The case came to light through investigations, leading to Howarth's admission of guilt at Stirling Sheriff Court. A social work report presented in court highlighted Howarth's emerging realisation that 'these are not just pictures', acknowledging his behaviour as 'shameful and depraved'. Sheriff Euan Gosney addressed him directly, stating, 'You should be under no illusion that these children are victims of your offending.' Howarth faces extradition to Canada in connection with analogous offences there.

Howarth was sentenced to 16 months in prison and required to register as a sex offender for 10 years. This sentencing reflects the gravity of child sexual exploitation offences in the UK, as covered in The Courier's Stirling court round-up published on 13 November 2025.