Court / Man remanded in custody after admitting possessing indecent images

Andrew Goodlad, of Grampian Prison, pleaded guilty when he appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to the charge which took place on or between 25 September last year and 12 July at an address in Lerwick while on bail.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the offence came to light when police asked to see the 25-year-old’s mobile phone to “timestamp” an unrelated incident which they were taking a statement for.

Search criteria on the mobile suggested to officers that there may be indecent images on the phone, so they arrested him.

A day later the police retrieved a laptop from his address before he admitted there were indecent images on his mobile.

More devices were seized by the police and 92 indecent videos in total were found, with 43 of them in the most serious ‘A’ category.

A total of 73 indecent images were discovered, as well as 85 thumbnail previews of images.

Goodlad also admitted breaching bail conditions on three occasions between April and July.

His defence is due to give representation when the matter calls again at Lerwick Sheriff Court on 5 December.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank deferred the case for social work reports and made Goodlad subject to sexual offences notification requirements. A crown request for forfeiture of the devices was also granted.