Steven Paul McInally

Steven Paul McInally, a 36-year-old man from Tollcross in Glasgow, Scotland, was sentenced to 25 years in a US federal prison following the discovery of extensive child sexual abuse material on his mobile phone. The case came to light during a routine border search at Orlando International Airport in Florida on 25 August 2023, when McInally arrived for a holiday.

US Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly ordered McInally to unlock his iPhone, revealing approximately 3,900 images and 70 videos depicting child sexual abuse. Some of the material was particularly disturbing, including images of children taken during a sleepover party at McInally's home. At the time, McInally owned and operated the Go Wild soft play unit in Bridgeton, Glasgow, a venue that hosted hundreds of children each week, raising serious concerns about potential risks to local children.

McInally pleaded guilty to charges of transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material on 1 November 2024. US District Judge Wendy D. Berger imposed the 25-year custodial sentence, reflecting the severity of the offences. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff, with the investigation led by US Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.

Following McInally's arrest in the US, Police Scotland conducted searches at the Go Wild soft play premises in Glasgow and at his home address. A spokesperson for Police Scotland stated: "Following an investigation, a 36-year-old man was subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with offences under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009." This indicates ongoing Scottish proceedings related to the case.

The US Attorneys Office highlighted the matter as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. A spokesperson noted: "Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims." For more details, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case underscores the international reach of child protection efforts, with McInally's actions leading to significant legal consequences across borders. The material found not only involved possession but also suggested direct involvement in creating abusive content at his residence.