Court / Pensioner admits possessing hundreds of abuse images

A SEVENTY five year old man from Lerwick has admitted two charges of being in possession of more than 600 abusive images of children, whilst on bail.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that both charges against Brian Laing, of Staneyhill, were “directly analogous” to offences he was sentenced for in November last year.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told the court that the offences came to light after Laing had returned a laptop computer to a local dealer and swapped it for a different model.

Staff came across suspicious search engine entries while cleaning the laptop and the police were alerted who subsequently searched Laing’s home address.

More than 600 images and six videos were found, mainly of girls aged five and younger.

Police became aware of a second offence when Laing was seen buying a mobile phone.

Laing pled guilty to take or permit to be taken indecent photographs of children at his home and elsewhere between 6 November 2015 and 3 November 2022, and to be in possession of indecent photographs of children  between 19 November 2019 and 2 January 2023.

Sentence was deferred until 9 August for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty assessment to be prepared.

All devices and images are being forfeited, and the court continues consideration of issuing a harm prevention order. These latest offences will be added to Laing’s entry in the sex offender’s register.