ALEXANDER PATERSON FROM AVIEMORE CAUGHT DOWNLOADING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN CARNFORTH HOTEL

In a case that has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about online safety, Alexander Paterson, a 33-year-old construction worker from Aviemore, was found to have used hotel WiFi in Carnforth, Lancashire, to download illegal images depicting child abuse. The incident came to light following an investigation conducted by the National Crime Agency (NCA), which uncovered disturbing evidence linking Paterson to the possession of indecent material involving minors.

Paterson was apprehended in May 2016 in the car park of a hotel in Carnforth. This particular hotel was one of several accommodations he had stayed at during his work assignments, and it was during this stay that he accessed the hotel’s WiFi network to download illicit images. The authorities acted swiftly, seizing his Dell laptop from his bag, along with other electronic devices found in his hotel room and at his residence in Aviemore, located in the Highlands of Scotland.

Forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed a disturbing collection of hundreds of images and videos depicting child abuse. Many of these files were classified in the most severe category of illegal content, highlighting the gravity of the offense. The investigation confirmed that Paterson had been involved in the possession of such material, which is a serious criminal offense.

Following the investigation, Alexander Paterson was brought before Preston Crown Court, where he received a two-year prison sentence that was suspended, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his access to digital devices and online accounts, requiring him to declare any future ownership of such devices and submit them for inspection upon request. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, a measure designed to monitor and manage his potential risk to the public.

This case marked Paterson’s second conviction related to the possession of indecent images of children. His previous conviction in 2014 resulted in a community payback order and a two-year placement on the sex offenders register. The recent sentencing underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat online child exploitation and ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions.