ANDREW SMART FROM ARBROATH CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF INDECENT IMAGES IN SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND

In a case that highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies across borders to combat child exploitation, Andrew Smart, a resident of Arbroath, has been found guilty of possessing a significant collection of indecent images of young girls. The investigation was initiated following a tip-off from police authorities in Wiltshire, England, which led to a coordinated effort involving both Scottish and English police forces.

Smart, aged 33 and residing on Grimsby Place in Arbroath, appeared before Sheriff Pino Di Emidio at Forfar Sheriff Court on a recent Tuesday. He pleaded guilty to an indictment that accused him of possessing indecent images or pseudo-images of children, with the material dating from December 2010 through August of the current year. The court was informed that the evidence against him was substantial and that the images found on his devices were of a disturbing nature.

According to Deputy Fiscal Donna Brown, the initial investigation began when Wiltshire police provided intelligence that prompted Scottish officers to seek a search warrant for two properties in Arbroath. The searches were executed on August 27, during which authorities recovered multiple items, including two laptops belonging to Smart. The forensic analysis of these devices revealed approximately 750 indecent images of children, most of which had been deleted but were still recoverable. The images predominantly depicted young girls, with some videos included in the collection. The material was categorized across a spectrum of severity, from the lowest level to a limited number at level four, indicating the most serious content.

Further examination of the computers' browsing history suggested that Smart had actively searched for images of teenage females, raising concerns about his intentions. During police interviews, Smart chose to remain silent and did not provide any comments regarding the allegations. His solicitor, Nick Whelan, stated that his client is employed full-time and indicated that mitigation would be reserved for the upcoming court proceedings.

Sheriff Di Emidio adjourned the case until December 11 to allow for the preparation of reports. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the two laptops seized during the search. Additionally, Smart was placed on the sex offenders register, with the duration of notification to be determined at his sentencing next month. The case underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling online child exploitation and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice.