CHILD PORN ADDICT SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN EDINBURGH
A CHILD PORN addict who collected a vast number of indecent images of children has been sentenced to three years in prison.The judge at the High Court in Edinburgh stated that individuals who view such images contribute to the illegal trade, leaving no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence.
Patrick Johnston, of Craigleith, Fishcross, admitted to creating indecent photos of children at his home from May 2003 until February of the current year.
Authorities discovered more than 7,000 items of child pornography on a laptop computer at Johnston's residence.
He was apprehended after police received intelligence linking him to the images and traced him to his workplace at a park in Fife.
Lord Kinclaven emphasized the seriousness of the offending, noting the large volume of images downloaded over a long period.
Johnston claimed he was addicted to viewing child pornography, which he admitted downloading from the internet.
During police interviews, he initially denied taking any indecent photos but acknowledged struggling with his urges.
He expressed that it was fortunate he was jailed, suggesting it was for the best.
The police also found 6,360 still images and 780 videos of children on his laptop.
The court ordered Johnston to be supervised for three years after his release, placed him on the sex offenders' register, and planned to include him on a list banning him from working with children.
