NEIL ROSS SHOCKS ABERDOUR AND TAYPORT WITH SECRET FILMING AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT TESCO AND HOME

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Aberdour and Tayport, Neil Ross, aged 46, has been found guilty of engaging in highly invasive and illegal activities involving the filming of women and young girls, as well as possessing indecent images of children. The offences came to light after police executed a search warrant at his residence, revealing a disturbing collection of illicit material and evidence of covert filming.

Ross, who now resides at Ogilvie Place in Tayport, was previously living at Humbie Terrace in Aberdour at the time of the offences. His criminal activities spanned over a year, with incidents occurring between May 19, 2017, and July 4, 2018. During this period, he repeatedly used his mobile phone to secretly record women and young girls in public places, notably at Tesco on Calais Farm Road in Dunfermline. The recordings focused on their lower bodies, including their legs and bottoms, without their knowledge or consent, constituting a gross invasion of privacy and a breach of the peace.

In addition to the covert filming, Ross was found to have downloaded and possessed indecent images of children. These images depicted girls as young as five years old, and the collection included both photographs and videos. The police investigation uncovered that Ross had stored eight Category C images, three Category C videos, and one Category B video, along with a total of 29 videos related to the offences. These videos showed members of the public engaged in everyday activities, highlighting the extent of his illicit collection.

During the police raid at his Aberdour home, Ross was present with other family members. When confronted, he admitted to the officers, saying, “I’ll save you a lot of time. It’s me you’re looking for.” The analysis of his mobile phone confirmed the possession of the indecent images and videos, which had been secretly filmed in Tesco and stored for personal use.

Legal proceedings revealed that Ross fully accepted his guilt and expressed genuine remorse for his actions. His solicitor, Fraser Napier, stated that Ross had cooperated with authorities and acknowledged the seriousness of his offences. The court was informed that Ross’s actions had led to significant personal consequences, including the loss of contact with his six children and his employment. The court also noted that being placed on the sex offenders’ register itself serves as a form of punishment.

At the sentencing hearing held at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Sheriff Charles Macnair emphasized the gravity of the offences. He described the act of secretly filming women and children in public as extremely distressing and a gross violation of their privacy. The sheriff underscored that such conduct is a serious matter regardless of whether the victims are aware of it or not, especially when children are involved.

As part of the sentence, Ross was placed on a community payback order with supervision for a period of three years. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work within six months. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of Ross’s mobile phone, which contained the illicit material, and he was placed on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

This case highlights the disturbing nature of voyeuristic and child exploitation crimes, and the community is urged to remain vigilant against such invasive and illegal conduct. The authorities continue to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour to prevent further harm and protect vulnerable individuals from predators like Neil Ross.