Indecent images of children found on home computer

Twenty-seven-year-old Harrison Rowe of Deanfield Place, Yetholm, appeared on indictment this week.

He admitted possession of indecent photos or pseudo-photos of children at his home between April 26 and July 2 last year.

At Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, the first offender Rowe was sentenced to three years supervision, and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a similar period.

Police attended at the house with a search warrant after receiving intelligence relating to the internet connection.

Rowe told officers he had lived there for some 20 years and that there were two computers in the house, one owned by him.

He was asked if had viewed any indecent images, and admitted he had.

“I did, and I don’t know why I did it,” he told the police.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said that the accused had been fully co-operative with the police, and admitted he had intentionally looked for indecent images of young boys, typing “pre-teen boys” in the search engine.

Rowe said he had been feeling low at the time and was glad that he had been caught.

Police found 105 stills and two movies.

Defence solicitor Greig McDonell said his client had sought help and had already undertaken and completed a programme on his own behalf.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told Rowe: “The numbers are such that a custodial sentence is not appropriate,” but warned the accused the sentence was a direct alternative to imprisonment.