MARK SPILLER FROM PETERHEAD CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE VIDEOS IN POLICE RAID

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Peterhead, a man with a military background was found in possession of highly distressing and illegal material involving child abuse. The incident unfolded during a police operation carried out at his residence on Viking Way in August of the previous year.

Authorities executed a search warrant at the property, leading to the seizure of several electronic devices, including a mobile phone, a laptop, and a hard drive recovered from a vehicle parked outside the residence, which was insured in his name. These devices contained a significant amount of illicit content, with police uncovering extensive footage depicting the sexual abuse of children.

The details of the investigation were presented at Peterhead Sheriff Court, where prosecutor Ruairidh McAllister revealed that investigators had recovered a staggering total of 105 hours of videos. Among these, 31 were classified as the most severe type of indecent videos, and one particular video involved a teenage girl, adding to the gravity of the case. Further examination of Spiller’s internet search history uncovered the term ‘Lolita,’ which is often associated with inappropriate and illegal content involving minors.

Mark Spiller, who previously served in the armed forces for twenty years starting from the age of 16, pleaded guilty to charges related to possessing indecent images and taking photographs of children between May and September 2023. His defense lawyer, Stuart Flowerdew, highlighted his client’s military service and stated that Spiller is currently undergoing counseling and seeking help for his issues.

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Annella Cowan addressed the seriousness of the case, emphasizing that the volume and nature of the images placed Spiller at significant risk of a lengthy prison sentence. Nonetheless, she acknowledged mitigating circumstances, particularly his efforts to seek rehabilitation.

As a result, the sheriff sentenced Spiller to three years of supervision, mandated him to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service, and ordered his registration on the sex offenders register for three years. The court’s decision was framed as an alternative to immediate imprisonment, reflecting both the severity of the crimes committed and the potential for his rehabilitation through ongoing support and monitoring.