MARK WEBSTER FROM DALMELLINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENSES IN AYRSHIRE

A man identified as Mark Webster, residing in Dalmellington, has been involved in a disturbing case involving the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. Webster, aged 32, was brought before Ayr Sheriff Court where he admitted to multiple charges related to child sexual exploitation material. The court heard that Webster had taken, permitted to be taken, or created indecent images of minors between April 20 and July 15, 2023. Additionally, he confessed to a second charge involving the distribution or display of such images from his home on Merrick Drive in Dalmellington from April 20 to July 20, 2023.

During the proceedings, Webster claimed he intended to sue the Ayrshire Weekly Press, asserting that they had no right to be present during his hearing when he pleaded guilty on December 4. Despite his protests, the court proceeded with the case. Prosecutors accepted pleas of not guilty to further allegations, including possession of extreme pornography depicting females with dogs, which Webster did not admit to but was not prosecuted for at that time.

Evidence presented by the prosecution revealed that Webster was found in possession of a significant number of indecent images—specifically, 759 still and moving images categorized from A to C, the most severe levels of such material. Police Scotland had received information on May 22, 2023, indicating that Webster might be in possession of indecent images of children. A warrant was issued, and officers executed a search at his residence on July 20. During the search, a Samsung mobile phone was seized from Webster’s bedroom, and he was informed that the device would be examined for illicit content.

Following an initial examination on July 21, authorities confirmed the presence of indecent material on the phone. Webster was subsequently arrested at his home and taken to Kilmarnock police station. During police interviews, he chose to remain silent, replying only with a dismissive 'nope' when cautioned and charged. He was released on an undertaking to appear in court again.

The court was shown evidence of the severity of the material found on Webster’s device, including 340 inaccessible images classified as Category A, which represent the most serious form of abuse. Police also recovered chat threads from the messaging app Telegram, where Webster was seen requesting and exchanging indecent content, often using coded language and acronyms associated with child sexual exploitation. Further messages from Snapchat linked him directly to the sharing and discussion of child abuse material. Webster openly expressed his preference for young girls and stated he 'loved lil teens,' revealing his disturbing interests.

At the sentencing hearing held on January 28, Webster appeared with his face covered by his jacket. His defense solicitor, Derek Pettigrew, emphasized Webster’s anxiety about the possibility of imprisonment, suggesting that some form of intervention was necessary. The judge, Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart, addressed Webster directly, requesting that he remove his jacket from his face. The solicitor argued that incarceration would not benefit Webster and that a community-based order would be more appropriate, especially considering the need for monitoring and the fact that remaining in Dalmellington would not be suitable for him.

Sheriff MacTaggart acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses and the importance of community protection. She explained that while prison time was an option, the court’s primary goal was to prevent further offending through strict supervision and intervention. Ultimately, she sentenced Webster to a community payback order for three years, with supervision and participation in the 'Moving Forward Making Changes' program, which aims to address and modify sex offenders’ behavior. Additionally, Webster was placed on the sex offenders register for three years and subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order that restricts his use of the internet and social media platforms.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the justice system to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from online abuse. Webster’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals involved in the distribution of such heinous material, and the importance of stringent legal measures to prevent further harm to children in the community.