PHILIP FERGUSON FROM ABERDEEN AND ELGIN SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Aberdeen and Elgin, Philip Ferguson, a 63-year-old man, has been convicted of possessing and distributing indecent images of children. The incident came to light after Ferguson sent a series of highly disturbing images to a colleague via WhatsApp, prompting immediate police intervention.

The most alarming of these was a Category A video, which is classified as the most severe form of indecent imagery. This 29-second video depicted two young boys, estimated to be under the age of eight, engaging in indecent acts on a donkey. Such material is considered among the most heinous and is subject to strict legal penalties.

In addition to this, authorities recovered a second video, classified as Category B, which showed children in a classroom setting. The presence of these images indicates a disturbing pattern of behavior and a serious breach of the law.

Ferguson, who was residing at an address on Rousay Terrace in Aberdeen at the time, admitted to possessing and distributing these indecent images. The offences took place over a period spanning from December 1, 2017, to March 17, 2018. The case was brought before Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where the details of the investigation were presented.

According to court reports, Ferguson’s colleague was shocked upon receiving the message from him on December 1. The colleague reportedly told Ferguson that he “needed help,” indicating the severity of the content. Ferguson’s response was dismissive, replying with a laugh and saying, “Haha – have you just found that out, lol.”

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, the colleague eventually decided to report the matter to the police on March 17 of the following year. The police investigation confirmed Ferguson’s involvement in the possession and distribution of the illicit images.

During the court proceedings, Ferguson’s defense lawyer, Laura Gracie, requested leniency on the grounds that Ferguson posed a “low level risk” of re-offending and that the number of images involved was limited. Despite this, Sheriff Ian Wallace sentenced Ferguson to 100 hours of unpaid work to be completed within five months. Additionally, Ferguson was placed under supervision for a period of eight months and was ordered to comply with the terms of the sex offenders register, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions.