FIFE MAN CLAIMED RELIEF AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH ILLEGAL IMAGES
2018 - A man from Fife was described as feeling “almost relieved” when police uncovered indecent material involving children on his computer.James Robb, 47, appeared before Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where he admitted possessing the illegal images.
His lawyer told the court that Robb’s offending began following a period of serious shoulder pain that left him struggling to cope.
According to the solicitor, Robb initially viewed videos that were legally available but “ethically questionable,” later progressing to illegal material.
The lawyer said his client had felt disgusted with himself but was unable to stop, and too ashamed to discuss his behaviour with his GP.
When police arrived at his home, Robb reportedly retrieved his devices himself and handed them over, saying he felt a sense of relief that the matter had come to light.
During interview, he gave “no comment” responses on legal advice.
The court heard that the offences took place at an address in Glenrothes between July 2012 and March 2013.
Robb pled guilty to possessing indecent images of children.
Sheriff Gilchrist told Robb that the crimes were serious enough to justify a notable penalty, though his limited record allowed for a community-based sentence.
Robb was placed under a community payback order with several conditions: he must avoid any unsupervised contact with under-16s, allow police to examine his electronic equipment, and attend a rehabilitation programme aimed at preventing further sexual offending.
He was also prohibited from staying overnight at any new address without prior approval from his supervising officer and was ordered to register as a sex offender for three years.
