CALUM SIMPSON FROM TORE FACES SERIOUS CHARGES OVER CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AT TORN SHERIFF COURT

In a disturbing case heard at the sheriff court, Calum Simpson, an 18-year-old resident of Muirton Road in Tore, was brought before the judiciary on serious allegations involving the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The court was informed that Simpson had a long-standing addiction to pornography, which he admitted to from a young age. However, what emerged during the proceedings was far more troubling, as police uncovered a collection of videos and still images depicting the abuse of children and infants, including one particularly heinous image of an infant being sodomised.

Sheriff Sara Matheson listened intently as the details of the case were laid out. It was revealed that Simpson’s collection included material that was both deeply disturbing and illegal. The images and videos, which he admitted to possessing, were found during a search warrant executed at his home. Simpson explained to officers that he found the images of children “arousing due to the taboo nature of the activity,” despite asserting that he had no attraction to children in real life.

The court was told that Simpson initially denied to police that he used Snapchat for his illegal activities, claiming that his phone had been hacked. However, outwith the presence of his father, he later confessed to officers that he had a severe addiction to pornography and acknowledged that it was a serious problem that required help. His guilty plea covered the downloading of numerous indecent images, including 219 of the most serious category, as well as 121 videos created between May 3, 2020, and June 26, 2024.

Further details revealed that on June 24 and 25, Simpson had sent five videos to other users, one of which depicted a baby being subjected to cruel abuse. The images involved children and infants under the age of 12, highlighting the severity and depravity of the material involved.

As the case was adjourned, the sheriff deferred sentencing until April 22. This delay was granted to allow for a background report and a “Moving Forward to Change” assessment, which aims to help individuals like Simpson address their issues and prevent future offending. The sheriff issued a stark warning to Simpson, stating, “When you return, I suggest you bring a bag ready for custody,” emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the potential for detention.