MICHAEL BELL CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 350,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN YETHOLM

In January 2019, authorities uncovered a disturbing cache of indecent images of children during a police raid at a residence in Yetholm. The investigation revealed that Michael Bell, aged 60, had been involved in the possession and distribution of a staggering number of illicit photographs and videos over a period spanning from November 2012 to April 2018.

Bell’s home, located on Dow Brae in Town Yetholm, became the focus of the police operation after they received credible intelligence indicating that a device connected to his residence was actively downloading and sharing indecent images of minors. The information prompted law enforcement officials to obtain a search warrant, leading to a visit to Bell’s property on April 3. When officers arrived, Bell answered the door and was immediately cautioned by the officers. During questioning, he confirmed that he resided alone and that no other individual had access to his computer systems.

Procurator Fiscal Graham Fraser provided details to Selkirk Sheriff Court, explaining that various search phrases such as ‘young school model’ and ‘young little virgins’ were discovered on Bell’s computer, indicating his intent and interest in such illicit material. The police seized and examined the hard drives from three separate devices found within the residence. The first device contained 16 images classified as Category A, which denotes the most severe and explicit content, along with eight videos. It also held 92 Category B images and eight videos, as well as 34,201 Category C images and 46 videos. The second device was found to contain 10 Category A videos, 61 Category B images, 99 videos, and an astonishing 160,927 Category C images accompanied by 440 videos. The third device held 21 Category A images, four videos, 352 Category B images, 49 videos, and an overwhelming 153,952 Category C images with 259 videos.

Mr. Fraser emphasized the gravity of the findings, stating, “That is just short of 350,000 Category C images alone. Reports will be inevitable.” Bell pleaded guilty to two charges: possession of indecent photographs and causing or permitting them to be taken. His sentencing was deferred until March 18 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, where a criminal justice social work report will be produced to inform the court’s decision.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, Bell’s name has been entered onto the sex offenders’ register. Meanwhile, in a related case, a local brewery boss from the Borders was fined £400 and received a one-year driving ban for drink-driving. The case underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to combat the distribution and possession of child exploitation material in the region.