ALAN MOIR CAUGHT IN ST CYRUS FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS

A man named Alan Moir, aged 43, has been apprehended and charged in connection with heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young child. The investigation leading to his arrest was initiated after cybercrime authorities uncovered disturbing evidence of his online activities. The National Online Child Abuse Prevention (NOCAP) organization played a crucial role in identifying the suspect's digital footprint, which ultimately led to his capture.

According to court proceedings held at the High Court in Edinburgh, NOCAP detected that an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with Moir’s residence was actively sharing illegal child abuse content. This IP address was traced back to Moir’s home located in Invergarry Park, St Cyrus, a village in Aberdeenshire. The authorities acted swiftly upon this discovery, executing a search warrant at Moir’s property on November 25, 2023.

During the raid, law enforcement officers seized two mobile phones—one from Moir himself and another from a top drawer in the main bedroom of his house. A detailed forensic examination of these devices revealed a horrifying collection of images. The officers uncovered a total of 1,663 still images that were inaccessible at the time of discovery, but which depicted Moir engaging in sexual acts with a young child. The images included some of girls aged between one and thirteen years old involved in sadistic sexual activities, penetrative acts with adults, non-penetrative sexual acts, and sexualized poses.

Prosecutor William Frain-Bell KC informed the court that Moir had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexually assaulting a young child and permitting the creation or distribution of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. These offenses spanned from May 1, 2018, to November 15, 2023. Further investigations revealed that Moir had also taken indecent photographs of another teenage child, adding to the severity of his crimes.

It was noted during the court proceedings that Moir was a first-time offender. Prior to his arrest, he had been employed in the oil and gas industry. The judge, Lady Haldane, decided not to grant bail, citing the seriousness of the offenses. Moir was remanded in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on April 8, 2025. Additionally, the court ordered his inclusion on the sex offenders register, emphasizing the long-lasting impact such crimes have on victims and society.

Lady Haldane emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “These offences are very serious indeed. The making of indecent images of children is a crime with real consequences and long-lasting effects on those who the crime is perpetrated upon.” The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and cybercrime units to combat child exploitation and bring offenders to justice.