PERVERT WITH 900+ INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN SPARED JAIL
A man named Christopher Wakefield, aged 62, from Boddam, received a lenient sentence after being found guilty of possessing a large collection of indecent images of children.Over a span of 10 years, Wakefield collected more than 900 images, which were stored in organized folders and duplicated across multiple electronic devices in his home.
The images, created between March 2, 2011, and when he was caught, included categories rated as most serious.
Police executed a search warrant at his residence after receiving intelligence that Wakefield was in possession of such material.
During the search, police seized and examined several electronic devices and discovered the images stored as described.
The court heard that Wakefield had pleads guilty to two charges of taking or permitting to be taken indecent photographs of children.
The judge, Sheriff Andrew Miller, acknowledged Wakefield's status as a first offender and classified him as a "low risk" to the public, which influenced his sentencing decision.
Wakefield was given a community payback order entailing 200 hours of unpaid work and three years of supervision.
Additionally, Wakefield is required to participate in the rehabilitation program called Moving Forward: Making Changes and was placed on the sex offenders register.
The judge emphasized that the possession and downloading of such images is not a victimless crime, highlighting the global demand for child abuse images.
The court stressed that these actions contribute to ongoing child exploitation and abuse.
Wakefield’s sentence reflects a recognition of his first-time offense but also a stern reminder of the seriousness of these crimes.
