MSP Colin Smyth in court accused of voyeurism and possession of indecent images

MSP Colin Smyth has appeared in court charged with voyeurism and possession of indecent photographs of children.

The South Scotland MSP had previously been arrested on Tuesday, August 5, prompting his suspension from Scottish Labour.

On Wednesday, he appeared in private at Dumfries Sheriff Court, where he faced two charges.

The first is a charge under a section of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act dealing with voyeurism, which refers to recording someone “doing a private act”.

The second is a charge under part of the Civic Government Scotland Act 1982, which refers to possessing indecent images of children.

No plea was entered, and the case was committed for further examination, with the 52-year-old being granted bail.

Smyth was first elected as an MSP in 2016 and returned to Holyrood again at the 2021 election.

A Crown Office spokesman said in relation to Smyth’s appearance in court: “These matters are active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

“The provisions of this Act protect the integrity of proceedings, preserve access to justice for victims and secure the rights of people accused of crime.

“Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused.

“Contempt of court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.”