DARREN SCOTT FROM EDINBURGH CONVICTED AGAIN FOR CHILD EXPLOITATION IMAGES

Darren Scott, a former IT support analyst employed at a private school in Edinburgh, has been found guilty once more of possessing indecent images of children. His criminal history includes a previous conviction, but recent events have brought renewed attention to his activities.

In April 2018, Scott was spared imprisonment after authorities uncovered a substantial collection of child sex abuse videos and images, including some classified as extremely severe Category A content. Despite this prior conviction, law enforcement officials did not cease their investigation.

On September 5, 2024, police executed a warrant at Scott's residence in Edinburgh. The search yielded a staggering discovery: over 15,000 indecent images depicting children aged between 1 and 15 years old. Many of these images had been deleted but remained accessible on his electronic devices, indicating an attempt to conceal or delete evidence. During the raid, officers recovered 39 electronic devices, each containing or linked to these illicit images. The files included some with sadistic content, and although some images were inaccessible, their filenames confirmed their disturbing nature.

Scott admitted to possessing such material from March 23 to September 5, 2024. He is currently held at HMP Edinburgh, awaiting sentencing. His court hearing, initially scheduled for May 15, was postponed to allow for a comprehensive psychological assessment to better understand his mental state and potential risk factors.

Historically, Scott worked at Mary Erskine School and Stewart's Melville College, starting his employment in 2004. His employment was terminated following his 2018 conviction. During court proceedings, Scott pleaded guilty to a charge under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. Court documents reveal that he acknowledged having 'crossed the line again' and described his descent into a 'downward spiral' of consuming increasingly extreme and disturbing material. His sentencing is now scheduled for early next month, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for his repeated offenses.