JAMES ADAM TAIT OF LEITH AWAITS SENTENCE AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN LERWICK

A man identified as James Adam Tait is currently awaiting sentencing after admitting to the possession and downloading of over 300 indecent images and 16 videos, including child pornography.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that these offences were uncovered following a police search of his home in Westerloch Crescent, Lerwick, initiated based on intelligence from the online child abuse prevention unit.

Tait, 49, with an address listed as Frankfield Road, Dalgety Bay, was found to possess the illicit materials on various electronic devices. The court was informed that some of the files were stored within folders designed to obscure their content, making it more difficult for anyone inspecting the devices to identify the images.

He admitted to possessing indecent photographs of children between 15 March 2014 and 17 June 2019, as well as other pornographic images spanning from 24 April 2016 to 25 June 2019. Over half of the videos were classified in the most serious category of child pornography, and 21 of the still images fell into this category as well. Additionally, there were 199 images considered indicative, showing children in swimwear or sportswear.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank ordered the case to be adjourned until 8 April for a criminal justice social enquiry report. Tait was also placed on the sex offenders register and released on bail.