Staff Sacked Over Glitter Email

Social workers in Scotland have been sacked for circulating an email showing Gary Glitter carrying a child in a plastic bag.

A spokeswoman for South Lanarkshire Council told Sky News Online that a total of 15 staff have so far been fired or reprimanded.

She said investigations are continuing and more heads may roll over the "inappropriate" image.

Some of those disciplined are trained social workers - responsible for protecting vulnerable children. Others are from the council's roads department.

The image - which shows convicted paedophile Glitter carrying a bag with a child's head superimposed on it - was circulated on the office network.

An inquiry was launched after a disgusted worker alerted bosses at the council.

A council spokeswoman said: "As of today a number of employees across the council have been dismissed and others have received final written warnings over the circulation of the email.

"The image is one currently circulating throughout the United Kingdom.

"The image is totally inappropriate and represents a gross misuse of council email.

"A council investigation is continuing and we are working through the disciplinary process."

She said employees may appeal any decisions.

Most of those involved are based at the council's Rutherglen office, near Glasgow.

Glitter - whose real name is Paul Gadd - served almost three years in prison in Vietnam for sex crimes involving two young girls.

The shamed former rock star was deported from the country at the end of his prison term and flew to Thailand and Hong Kong.

Last week it emerged he is to launch a legal challenge to have his name removed from the sex offenders' register.

If successful, it will allow him greater freedom to travel abroad.