AYR MAN CAUGHT WITH 1,092 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES SHARED PICS
AN AYR man caught with more than 1,000 images of child abuse who also distributed the sick pics to other paedophiles is awaiting sentence.Michael McPherson pleaded guilty to charges of possessing indecent photographs or pseudo photographs of children at his address in Holmston Gardens between June 10, 2012 and September 13, 2024.
The 40-year old also admitted distributing indecent images over apps between September 8, 2018 and May 3, 2024.
He pleaded guilty to the charges when he appeared for a pre-trial hearing at Ayr Sheriff Court on Wednesday, November 5.
The Procurator Fiscal depute said: "On September 13 last year police attended the home address with a search warrant and met the accused's partner and daughter.
A search of the property commenced and phones, tablets and hard drives were recovered.
An initial review found indecent images of children on a mobile phone.
The accused on arrival identified himself and was cautioned.
His mobile phone was seized and he admitted ownership.
The mobile found contained indecent images of children.
The accused was arrested and conveyed to Saltcoats Police Station.
At 2.53pm the same day the accused was cautioned, charged and made no reply.
A full cyber crime analysis took place with indecent images found on two phones - and images attributed to the accused in numerous user accounts.
The court heard McPherson's username was linked to the Kik messenger application and various Dropbox and Onedrive clouds.
Officers observed him having distributed images to others "10 different times with conversations of a sexual interest in children" while using the Kik messenger app.
The depute added the Crown would be seeking a further Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Defense solicitor Colin McLaughlin said: "It is a case where reports will be required.
He remains at the address, no matters outstanding.
He has been on bail for some considerable period of time.
Since being granted bail he has been seeking to resolve the case." Sheriff Siobhan Connelly said: "You have pleaded guilty to serious charges and I will require further information before reaching a position on sentence.
She called for criminal justice social work reports and restriction of liberty order and risk assessments.
In the meantime you will remain on bail under the special conditions.
You will now be subject to notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act - the length of that will be told to you at sentencing.
In the meantime it is important to understand the immediate requirements of you.
If you fail to do those things you will be charged with a separate offence." McPherson will return to court at a later date.
