DAVID SMITH FROM RENFREW CAUGHT WITH HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE VIDEO

In May 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving David Smith, a 60-year-old resident of Renfrew, who was found in possession of a deeply troubling video depicting the sexual abuse of a girl as young as 12 years old. The footage, which lasted approximately seven minutes, was discovered during a police raid on Smith’s flat located in Bell Street, Renfrew. Authorities described the content as falling into the most depraved category of child exploitation material.

The investigation was initiated after cyber crime officers linked Smith’s computer to online images of child sex abuse. When the police arrived at his residence, they found that Smith was not present. The officers forced entry into the flat after establishing a connection between his computer and illegal images, prompting a thorough search of the premises. The operation was part of a broader effort in September 2016 to locate Smith, who was subsequently detained and required to surrender all electronic devices for examination.

During the search, officers recovered a one-gigabyte memory stick that was inserted into a sound bar connected to a DVD player. Cyber crime specialists examined the device and confirmed that it contained a category-A indecent image of a child. The memory stick also contained a file named 'PTHC,' an abbreviation reportedly meaning 'pre-teen hardcore,' which was consistent with the age of the girl depicted in the video. The file was found to feature a naked girl aged between 12 and 14, who appeared throughout the footage.

Further investigation revealed that Smith was at work when police contacted him to return home. Upon his arrival, he handed over a mobile phone and a tablet, which were also subjected to forensic analysis. Although it remains unclear how many times Smith had viewed the illicit video, authorities confirmed that he possessed and likely viewed the material multiple times.

Smith was charged and appeared before Paisley Sheriff Court, where he admitted to possessing the illegal footage. As a result, he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and flagged as a significant danger to the Scottish community. Sheriff Colin Pettigrew addressed the court, emphasizing the seriousness of the case. He acknowledged that Smith had pleaded guilty to a single charge involving one image, but highlighted the disturbing nature of the moving image of young children.

The sheriff warned Smith about the potential risks of his actions, stating that while standing behind a child in a queue might not constitute a breach, actively following a child into a shop would be a clear violation. Smith was released on bail but was ordered to stay away from minors. His case is scheduled for sentencing next month, with authorities continuing to monitor his activities for any further violations.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from such heinous crimes.