PETER BROWN FROM NAIRN SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES IN INVERNESS

Peter Brown, a 19-year-old resident of Nairn, appeared before Inverness Sheriff Court to face charges related to the possession and distribution of illicit images involving minors, adults, and animals. The court proceedings revealed that Brown had engaged in these illegal activities during a period spanning from September to October 2014, while he was living at his parents' residence on Moss-side Road in Nairn.

Brown had previously admitted to downloading over 1,400 still photographs and multiple videos that depicted children in explicit situations, alongside images of adults and animals. The severity of these offenses prompted the court to consider appropriate sentencing measures. Ultimately, Brown was spared immediate detention but was handed a substantial community-based penalty. He was ordered to complete the maximum allowable 300 hours of unpaid work, which is often used as an alternative to incarceration in such cases.

In addition to community service, the court mandated that Brown remain under social work supervision for a period of two years. This supervision aims to monitor his behavior and ensure compliance with legal and rehabilitative requirements. Furthermore, Brown was placed on the sex offenders register for the same duration, a measure intended to facilitate ongoing monitoring and risk assessment.

During the hearing, Brown’s solicitor, David Fitzpatrick, provided context for his client’s actions, describing him as a vulnerable young adolescent at the time of the offenses. Fitzpatrick emphasized that Brown comes from a caring and supportive family environment, which may be relevant to understanding his circumstances. The court also noted that Brown had previously failed to appear at a scheduled hearing, resulting in a warrant for his arrest when he was found in London. Upon his return to Scotland, Brown reportedly developed health concerns, including mental health issues that may not have been formally diagnosed yet.

The case was regarded as particularly sensitive due to Brown’s vulnerability and mental health history. The judge underscored the importance of ongoing supervision and registration, highlighting the serious nature of the crimes committed and the need for continued oversight to protect the community.