DINGWALL SEX OFFENDER STEVEN MACDONALD ADMITS TO VIEWING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN SHOCKING CASE

In a recent case heard at Inverness Sheriff Court, Steven Macdonald, a 47-year-old resident of Buchanan Court in Dingwall, faced serious allegations related to the possession of indecent images of a child. The court was informed that Macdonald had been in possession of such material over an extended period, specifically between August 14, 2012, and June 17, 2013. The evidence presented indicated that the image in question depicted a pre-pubescent girl, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material involved.

During the proceedings, Sheriff Margaret Neilson was told by the depute fiscal Stella Swan that police had reason to believe Macdonald had been actively accessing illegal content. An analysis of his computer revealed the presence of at least one indecent photograph, which was found during a detailed forensic examination. The authorities had suspected that Macdonald's online activity was not isolated, and the evidence supported ongoing access to such material.

Macdonald's legal representative, solicitor Neil Wilson, confirmed that his client was already on the Sex Offenders Register and participating in a rehabilitation program for sex offenders, which was scheduled to continue until December of the current year. Wilson emphasized that Macdonald had deliberately downloaded the offending image, and he pointed out that his client had prior convictions related to similar offenses, indicating a pattern of behavior.

Wilson expressed concern that Macdonald appeared unable to recognize the harm caused by his actions, a factor that the reports had highlighted. The court was also informed that current bail conditions prohibited Macdonald from using the internet, a restriction aimed at preventing further offenses. Given the circumstances, Wilson requested the sheriff to consider a community-based disposal rather than immediate custody, arguing that the incident was singular and not part of a broader course of conduct.

In her ruling, Sheriff Neilson sentenced Macdonald to a supervision order lasting three years. She also made it clear that he would remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the entire duration of this supervision period, underscoring the seriousness of the offense and the ongoing risk assessment involved in his case.