DARIN MCQUILLAN FROM DALGETY BAY CAUGHT WITH 621 CHILD EXPLOITATION IMAGES

In a serious case brought before Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Darin McQuillan, a 44-year-old resident of The Moorings in Dalgety Bay, faced charges related to the possession of a significant number of indecent images of children. The court proceedings, held last Wednesday, revealed that McQuillan had been found in possession of a total of 621 such images, a discovery that has shocked the local community and raised concerns about child safety and exploitation.

According to the charges, McQuillan admitted that between November 29, 2016, and January 12 of the following year, he either took or allowed the taking of, or created, indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. These acts allegedly occurred at his residence in Dalgety Bay or possibly at other locations, though the court records specify his address in The Moorings as the primary location.

During the court hearing, McQuillan’s solicitor, Stephen Morrison, provided details about the nature of the images. He explained that 620 of the images were classified as Category C, which generally involves less severe material, while one image was categorized as Category B, indicating a depiction of non-penetrative sexual assault. Morrison emphasized that McQuillan has no prior criminal convictions, which may influence the court’s sentencing decision.

He also highlighted that McQuillan had engaged fully with a rehabilitation program called ‘Stop it Now,’ which aims to provide offenders with insight into their behavior and help prevent future offenses. Morrison noted that his client’s personal circumstances had been difficult, mentioning that McQuillan’s marriage had ended and that he was involved in supervised contact with his child, suggesting some level of ongoing responsibility and concern for his family.

In response, Sheriff Craig McSherry sentenced McQuillan to a community payback order, which includes a 12-month period of supervision. The court also imposed conduct requirements, explicitly forbidding McQuillan from having any deliberate contact with children under the age of 16. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of 12 months, a measure intended to monitor and prevent further offenses. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of the justice system to address and mitigate the risks associated with individuals possessing and creating indecent images of children, especially within communities like Dalgety Bay.