NEVILLE MCLAUGHLIN FROM CARNOUSTIE CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE VIDEOS AND IMAGES IN FIFE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Carnoustie and the surrounding areas, Neville McLaughlin, a 46-year-old man, was found to have downloaded and possessed highly disturbing child abuse material. The investigation was initiated after intelligence was received by the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, which led to a police raid on McLaughlin’s residence.

On the morning of September 1, 2021, at approximately 7:45 am, four police officers arrived at McLaughlin’s home in Carnoustie. During the search, officers inquired about a Kik messenger account with the username TWAINZ76 and an associated email address. McLaughlin claimed he did not recognize either the account or the email. However, a search of his property uncovered two mobile phones on the computer table in his living room. McLaughlin identified these devices as his own and provided the PIN code for access.

Forensic analysis of the phones revealed the presence of highly inappropriate images and videos stored within the Kik app’s cache. The evidence included 15 category C still images, a video classified as category C, and another video categorized as A. Although these files were no longer accessible directly on the device, investigators examined the chat logs from Kik and discovered that the illicit material had been sent in May and June of the previous year. The Kik account associated with the username TWAINZ76 also bore the screen name Bob Tickles, which McLaughlin denied recognizing during questioning.

Further court proceedings revealed that McLaughlin had admitted to taking indecent images of children at an address in Fife on June 7, 2021. His solicitor, David Bell, stated that McLaughlin acknowledged viewing the images but claimed he had deleted them shortly afterward. Mr. Bell emphasized that McLaughlin had no prior convictions and had taken steps to seek help by self-referring to a charity. The defense also highlighted that McLaughlin was deeply ashamed of his actions.

In sentencing, Sheriff John MacRitchie ordered McLaughlin to be placed on a 12-month supervision order. Additionally, he was mandated to complete 160 hours of unpaid community service. As part of the court’s ruling, McLaughlin was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the need for ongoing monitoring to protect the community from potential harm.