CRAIG LOY FROM CATRINE SENTENCED FOR HOARDING OVER 122,000 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGES AND BESTIALITY PICTURES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Craig Loy, a 27-year-old resident of Catrine, was found guilty of possessing an extensive collection of illegal and highly disturbing images. The court heard that Loy had accumulated more than 122,000 distinct photographs depicting the sexual abuse of young children, ranging in age from just two to six years old. These images were classified into various categories, with some being classified as the most extreme, Category C, indicating the severity of the content involved.

During the proceedings at Ayr Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Loy’s obsession extended beyond just child exploitation images. He also downloaded and possessed photographs showing acts of bestiality, including a disturbing image of a woman engaged in sexual activity with a dog. The court was informed that Loy’s collection included a few dozen pictures explicitly depicting a female being penetrated by a dog, highlighting the depravity of his interests.

The case came to light following a police raid on Loy’s residence in Catrine. On the morning of February 3rd last year, officers arrived at his flat on Shawlands Street after receiving intelligence that an IP address linked to Loy had uploaded indecent images of children. Using a battering ram, law enforcement officials forced entry into his home at approximately 8 a.m. During the raid, Loy reportedly admitted to police that his actions were akin to an addiction and expressed a desire to seek help, stating, “I hope I can get it sorted out and get help.” He also acknowledged that he had downloaded the illicit images over a period spanning from September 21, 2012, to February 3, 2017.

Investigators examined Loy’s electronic devices, including a laptop, external hard drive, and pen drives. A computer expert analyzed these devices and discovered the vast collection of illegal images. The total number of unique images was confirmed to be 122,204, with approximately 113,000 of these accessible without the need for specialized software. The images were categorized into different levels of severity, with some being classified as Category A, the most serious.

In addition to the images of child abuse, the police found explicit material involving animals, which Loy also admitted to possessing. His actions and collection of such material have led to a significant legal response. Loy pleaded guilty to charges of possessing indecent images of children and extreme images involving sexual acts with animals. The offences took place at his home address in Catrine over a period from September 21, 2012, to February 3, 2017.

Judge Desmond Leslie sentenced Loy to three years in prison. The court also ordered that Loy remain on the sex offender’s register indefinitely, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the potential risk to the community. As Loy hung his head in the dock, the gravity of his actions was made clear, and the court’s verdict underscored the importance of addressing such depravity within society.