**Former SFA Referee Sentenced to Over Two Years for Secretly Filming Teenager**
In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the Scottish football community, Ian Hart, a former referee with the Scottish Football Association (SFA), has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for secretly filming a teenage girl in a vulnerable situation. The 37-year-old Hart, who once officiated games in the Scottish Championship, was convicted for his actions that took place between December 2024 and June 2025.
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Hart’s offences involved the illicit filming of a girl aged between 13 and 14 within the confines of her home in South Lanarkshire. The SFA confirmed that Hart has since been suspended from all football-related duties following the emergence of his crimes, which were revealed on 24 October 2026. His career in officiating has now come to an unexpected end, with the association confirming that he will no longer serve as a referee or be associated with officiating any sport events.
During the trial held at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Hart pleaded guilty to multiple charges, which included behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, voyeurism, and producing indecent images of children. Sheriff Andrew McIntyre described the offences as profoundly serious, highlighting the deeply invasive nature of the crime, especially since it involved a minor caught in her own home. He remarked that a non-custodial sentence would not suffice in deterring similar actions in the future.
The court heard that Hart’s unsavoury history surfaced after images of clothed, unknown women were discovered on his phone by a witness in 2022. Despite promising to cease his actions, a subsequent incident in June 2025 revealed alarming content on his devices, including footage of the young girl undressing.
Defence lawyer Paul Anderson noted that Hart is currently navigating divorce proceedings and has faced significant personal and professional repercussions as a result of his actions. The sentencing not only banned him from engaging in football but also imposed a five-year non-harassment order to protect the adult witness who had originally raised concerns about his behaviour.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and protection, especially in safeguarding our youth from predatory behaviour. As communities continue to grapple with the implications of such crimes, support for victims and preventative measures must remain at the forefront of discussions. The consequences of Hart’s actions will undoubtedly be felt for a long time, emphasising the imperative for societal awareness and robust legal protections against similar predatory behaviours.