ERIK STOVE FROM SANWICK SENTENCED IN LEARIK FOR POSSESSING INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN
A 35-year-old mechanic from Sandwick, Erik Stove, has been sentenced to 220 hours of unpaid work after admitting to possession of indecent images and videos of children.Stove, of Setter, previously pleaded guilty to possessing and allowing the taking of indecent photographs of children between August 23, 2014, and March 8 of the following year.
Lerwick Sheriff Court was told that Stove’s mobile phone contained three still images and 11 videos, several classified as the most serious category A.
Defense lawyer Gregor Kelly stated that a social work report was thorough and noted that Stove's wife had temporarily left the family home but had since returned and was supportive.
Kelly added that Stove told police upon arrest, 'I know there’s stuff on my phone that’s borderline and I wish to f**k I didn’t have it,' showing genuine remorse and shame.
Kelly explained that, in many ways, Stove was relieved to have been caught because it prompted him to confront a pornography addiction that had entrapped him.
He further said that Stove had received two videos involving moving images of children in 2014.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Stove’s situation worsened as idle time led to a significant decline, described as a 'dark pathway' in his life.
In the past year, he has taken considerable steps to recover from this addiction and is regarded highly by peers.
Sheriff Cruickshank noted that while Stove’s offending was unusual due to its prolonged nature, only a small number of images were involved.
The court imposed a community payback order under supervision for 18 months, during which Stove will also be subject to registration requirements under sexual offenses legislation.
