SCOTT SMOLLET OF KINTORE SCOTLAND WARNED OF POSSIBLE JAIL TIME FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES

In May 2021, a man named Scott Smollet from Kintore was issued a warning that he faces a high likelihood of imprisonment after being found guilty of sharing disturbing child sexual abuse images online and discussing abuse fantasies via messaging platforms.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court was informed that Smollet, 44 years old, used Snapchat to exchange horrifying pictures depicting child sexual abuse and rape. The collection included images of children as young as three, some classified as Category A, the most serious level.

The police investigation was initiated after receiving intelligence that indecent images were being uploaded from Smollet's address in Kintore. The images involved girls approximately six to eight years old.

Additionally, authorities uncovered a chat conversation involving an unidentified individual, where Smollet sent images of both a boy and a girl, each around ten years old. In August of the previous year, the same individual sent two more Category A images and a video, featuring children aged about eight and six, respectively.

Smollet admitted to using chat websites to engage in sexually explicit conversations and to exchange indecent images of children. He was cautioned and formally charged.

He pleaded guilty to charges of distributing or displaying indecent images of children, as well as taking, allowing, or creating such images.

Sheriff Philip Mann stated he would consider all possible options for disposing of the case, warning that "a custodial sentence is entirely possible." The sentencing was deferred until the following month to allow for a social work report and an assessment for a restriction of liberty order. Additionally, Smollet was made subject to the notification requirements outlined in the Sexual Offences Act.