Earlston man admits sharing indecent images of children

Thomas Walker, 42, pleaded guilty to the offences which happened at his Summerfield home between August 2019 and August last year.

Miriam Clark, prosecuting, said that in July 2020 a child abuse prevention team received information that the accused may be in possession of indecent images of children.

A search warrant was granted for his home where he lives with his elderly mother.

This was executed and a laptop was found and Walker admitted his mobile phone would also contain indecent images.

During his interview with officers he made full admissions stating that he used an Internet chat site Kik regularly and that he liked children aged 14-15.

The fiscal said:"It got him hooked and he was receiving, viewing and sharing images using Kik.

"He would receive and send on indecent images of young children aged between eight and 12 years old in order to receive indecent images of older children."

After being charged by police Walker said:"It is what it is - there is no point in hiding it. It is a bad thing, I know."

After an examination of his mobile phone, 138 Category A images and videos - the most serious - were recovered along with 76 Category B and 73 Category C.

It was found that Walker had distributed 101 stills and videos including 43 in Category A.

His laptop was also examined which indicated he had an interest in young boys and girls with 37 indecent images of videos found including 10 Category A."

Ms Clark said that in total 324 indecent images and videos of young children were recovered and moved for forfeiture of the laptop and mobile phone.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferfred sentence until July 26 for the production of a Criminal Justice Social Work Report and a Restriction of Liberty Order assessment.

He also said Walker would be now subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act.

The mobile phone and laptop were forfeited.