Mull man had indecent images of children

A 38-YEAR-OLD man from Tobermory has pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children and sending ‘graphic and horrifying’ messages.

Douglas Wright, of 17 Druimfin Gardens, Tobermory, appeared in Oban Sheriff Court on Tuesday April 10.

Police searched his property on July 26, 2017. It was later revealed his computer contained 51 category A still images, 42 category B and 16 category C. He also had two category A moving images, one category B and two Category C. Also discovered during the analysis of Wright’s computer was a social media conversation between him and a suspected alias used by another person.

Procurator fiscal Eoin McGinty said: ‘This conversation involves violent and distressing references to child abuse. The consensus is, even among professionals who unfortunately have to deal with this type of material, that the level of depravity exhibited with these messages is simply unparallelled.’

During the police interview [Wright] admitted to downloading the images, although he claimed he did so out of a ‘morbid curiosity as to how individuals could commit such acts on children and infants’. He also denied being sexually attracted to children in any way.

Sheriff Patrick Hughes said: ‘This is a very serious offence and custody is a real option.’

The case was deferred until Tuesday May 22 for reports.

Until then Wright will remain on bail, though a notification requirement will be put in place.