SHAUN DEUCHARS FROM DUNDEE AND ARBROATH CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 12,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND VIDEOS

A former healthcare worker with ties to Dundee and Arbroath has been found in possession of an alarming collection of nearly 12,000 videos and images depicting child abuse. The individual, Shaun Deuchars, claimed that he stumbled upon the illicit material by accident while attempting to source drugs through online channels. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the local communities and has led to serious legal consequences.

Police conducted a raid at Deuchars’ former residence in Arbroath, where they uncovered a hidden folder on his mobile phone containing disturbing content. The investigation was prompted after reports from The Courier, which brought the case to public attention. Following the discovery, Deuchars was dismissed from his position within the NHS, and his partner chose to end their relationship amid the scandal.

During court proceedings at Dundee Sheriff Court, prosecutors detailed the extent of the material found on Deuchars’ device. Forensic analysis revealed that the phone contained approximately 1,000 images classified as Category C, featuring children aged between one and 14. The images included some of the most heinous forms of abuse, such as newborn babies being raped and assaulted by adults. Prosecutor Trina Sinclair emphasized the severity of the content, stating, “The forensic computer analysts found the phone contained material within a hidden folder, which included around 1,000 Category C images of young girls and boys.”

Deuchars was subsequently arrested and responded with “no comment” when questioned by police. A comprehensive forensic examination linked his phone to multiple usernames and email addresses associated with online group chats. Authorities discovered that Deuchars used messaging platforms such as Telegram and Wickr to exchange and distribute the illicit material with other individuals involved in similar criminal activities. Ms. Sinclair added, “The content included a number of very young children, including newborn babies, being raped and abused.”

The investigation uncovered a staggering total of 11,733 images, along with over 1,500 videos. Among these, more than 8,900 images were classified as the most severe category, Category A, indicating the highest level of depravity. The case has brought to light the disturbing extent of online child exploitation and the dangers lurking within digital spaces.

Deuchars, who resides at Mary Slessor Square, previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children between March 2005 and April 2022. He also admitted to distributing such images between July and November 2021. However, questions were raised regarding the date of March 2005, as Deuchars would have been only 12 years old at that time, casting doubt on whether the material was created then or simply possessed from an earlier time.

Legal representatives highlighted the personal toll on Deuchars. Solicitor Ian Houston stated, “He worked for the NHS in a responsible position but has lost that job. His relationship ended when this was revealed, and his life has been shattered.” He further explained that Deuchars had not actively sought out the images but had come across them almost accidentally while requesting drugs online. The solicitor acknowledged that Deuchars shared some of the material with others but did not deny his involvement.

Deuchars has reportedly overcome previous struggles with drug addiction through rehabilitation efforts. Nonetheless, the court took a stern stance. Sheriff Alastair Carmichael imposed a community payback order (CPO) lasting three years, which includes 36 months of supervision and 160 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Deuchars is now enrolled in the Moving Forward Making Changes programme and faces strict restrictions on his access to electronic devices and the internet. He has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of 36 months, with the CPO serving as an alternative to immediate imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of his offenses.