ABERDEEN AND ARBROATH DOCTOR KIERAN TITHERIDGE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND ONLINE ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Aberdeen and Arbroath, Dr. Kieran Titheridge, aged 34, has been sentenced to a total of three years and four months in prison after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving child exploitation and online abuse. The case came to light following a detailed investigation into his activities, which revealed a pattern of disturbing behavior spanning several years.

Dr. Titheridge, who was employed at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, was implicated in a series of criminal acts that included the possession of indecent images of children, as well as the solicitation of sexual services involving minors through digital platforms. The investigation uncovered that between June 2008 and November 2013, he had accumulated a significant collection of child pornography, with authorities seizing laptops from his residences in both Aberdeen and Arbroath containing a total of 366 illicit photographs and two videos depicting minors in sexualized situations.

The criminal activities extended beyond mere possession. Titheridge engaged in explicit online conversations with a woman based abroad, during which he paid for sexual acts involving children. These exchanges, primarily conducted via Skype, revealed that he inquired about the ages of young girls and expressed a desire to see them naked. The woman, whose identity remains unknown, initially demanded a fee of 30 dollars for her services. Titheridge confirmed that he had sent payments through PayPal, with subsequent transactions of £10 on separate occasions, indicating a pattern of ongoing engagement.

Investigators traced the payments to an email account linked to the woman, who arranged for the abuse to take place. The police raids on Titheridge’s homes in Aberdeen and Arbroath uncovered not only the digital evidence but also the disturbing communications. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Titheridge had asked whether the young girls involved were awake, indicating his continued interest in exploiting minors even after initial payments. The court was told that the youngest child involved could have been as young as 14, although precise ages could not be definitively established.

Throughout the investigation, detectives faced challenges in identifying the victims and the woman facilitating the abuse, but the evidence was overwhelming. The court heard that Titheridge had made multiple payments to the woman, and his bank records confirmed these transactions. The prosecution’s case was supported by text messages and digital evidence, which painted a clear picture of his predatory behavior.

During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Titheridge’s lawyer, David Moggach, expressed remorse and highlighted his client’s previously unblemished career and supportive social circle. However, the judge, Lord Kinclaven, emphasized the severity of the crimes and the need for a custodial sentence. He pointed out that Titheridge’s actions had a devastating impact on his reputation, career, and the potential victims involved.

Lord Kinclaven sentenced Titheridge to nine months for possessing indecent images and three years and four months for using Skype to pay for sexual services involving minors. The sentences are to run concurrently, and Titheridge has been ordered to register as a sex offender for the foreseeable future. The judge also noted the importance of supervision for two years following his release, underscoring the ongoing risk posed by such offenders.

This case has sent shockwaves through the medical community and the wider public, raising concerns about the potential for abuse among professionals entrusted with public health and safety. The authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Titheridge’s activities, and the community remains vigilant in the face of such disturbing revelations.