ANDREW BRYCE FROM PRESTWICK CAUGHT WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING POLICE STING

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Prestwick, Andrew Bryce, a 34-year-old mental health nurse, was found to be in possession of highly disturbing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. The incident came to light during a police operation conducted in April 2018, which uncovered Bryce’s involvement in downloading and storing these horrific materials.

Authorities executed a search warrant at Bryce’s residence in Fiddison Place, Prestwick, on April 19. The police action was part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution and possession of indecent images of children. During the search, officers seized a total of 23 electronic devices, including USB sticks, a laptop, external hard drives, and a mobile phone. The forensic analysis of these devices revealed a disturbing collection of approximately 180 images and videos, all downloaded within a span of less than a month, from March 30 to April 19, 2017.

Depute fiscal Andrew Lazarin provided details to the court, stating that among the seized materials was a laptop with search terms linked to indecent images of children. The forensic examination confirmed the presence of numerous indecent images, some of which depicted children as young as two years old. One particularly distressing image showed a two-year-old girl, while others included images of a girl and boy together. The severity of the content underscored the gravity of Bryce’s actions.

During police interviews, Bryce admitted to officers that he found himself sexually aroused by images of children being abused. His behavior and the evidence collected led to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings. Bryce, who was employed as a community psychiatric nurse at the time, resigned from his position following the discovery of his offenses.

In court, Bryce pleaded guilty to possessing and downloading indecent images of children. The judge sentenced him to three years of supervised community service and ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders register for a period of three years. Despite the serious nature of his crimes, Bryce left Ayr Sheriff Court smiling, having avoided a prison sentence. The case has left many in Prestwick and the surrounding areas deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of children, and it highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and rigorous law enforcement in combating child exploitation.