Obscene images accused sentenced

Police found more than 3000 pictures of children as young as twelve on computer
A CAITHNESS villager, who downloaded pornographic images of children onto his computer, has been put on probation for three years.
Malcolm Don, 41 admitted on indictment, at Wick Sheriff Court, yesterday, to taking or permitting to be taken, or making indecent photos or pseudo photos, between July 2007 and June 2009.
It was stated that a total of 3,193 obscene images of children as young as 12 years, were uncovered, on his computer, during a police raid at a house in Pentland Place, Castletown.
The pictures, which didn’t show sexual activity, were discovered in various folders and sub folders along with 24 videos.
Don was said to have been shocked at the number of images, believing that he had download only 1000 to 1,500 of them.
Solicitor Fiona McDonald said that a psychiatrist who examined Don was concerned that he didn’t appear to full comprehend the seriousness of the matters facing him. However, she insisted that the accused fully accepted what he had done.
Ms McDonald said: “He is not seeking to do anything other than accept his punishment.”
Sheriff Andrew Berry described the offence as “extremely serious”involving a large number of images.
The sheriff added: “I am not blind to the fact that there are individuals who engage in this type of activity, extremely intelligent and cunning individuals who are capable of pretending that they don’t really know they are doing any harm.”
In addition to probation, Don was order to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community service and was placed on the sex offenders register. He will also require to be supervised when in the company of children under the age of 16.