ABERDEEN MAN AVOIDS JAIL OVER CHILD EXPLOITATION VIDEOS
An individual named Anthony McHardie, aged 43, from Aberdeen, was found to possess and create indecent images and videos involving young children.Specialist officers from the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit and the Forensic Computing Department executed a search warrant at his residence on November 28, 2019.
During the investigation, they discovered 15 videos of girls estimated to be between one and 12 years old, with a total duration of over 14 minutes, classified mainly as category A and B.
Additionally, dozens of still images were found on his laptop, external hard drive, and mobile phone, with some images rated as category C, involving girls aged 10 to 15.
McHardie pleaded guilty to making and possessing indecent images of children from various periods between 2014 and 2019.
His defense explained that his mental health issues and personal stress contributed to his offending, and he showed remorse, working with organizations to address his behavior.
The sheriff ordered him to be supervised for three years, complete community service, and adhere to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act for three years, emphasizing that such crimes harm victims and perpetuate a vile industry.
