THOMAS (TJ) MORIATY

A man from Kelso who was found with over 1,500 indecent images and videos involving children is scheduled for sentencing at Jedburgh Sheriff Court next month.

Thirty-six-year-old Thomas Moriarty admitted to two counts of possessing and downloading such illegal material during the period from March to October 2023.

He also pleaded guilty to a third charge of sending obscene messages to another individual.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that police visited his residence in Kelso, with access provided by his partner.

Authorities recovered a mobile phone containing explicit photographs of males and females aged between one and 16 engaged in sexual acts.

Additionally, another phone was confiscated from Moriarty at his workplace, which also held similar illicit content.

While on the way to Hawick Police Station, Moriarty requested the return of his phone, but officers explained it needed to be examined.

He responded, 'I will be honest, there is stuff.' Further investigation confirmed both devices had social media apps such as Telegram, Snapchat, Kik, and WhatsApp signed in.

From the first phone alone, authorities found 780 indecent images and 401 videos of children, with the second containing 418 images and 32 videos.

Court records also showed Moriarty had repeatedly searched for child sexual abuse material and had exchanged explicit images with an anonymous contact via Telegram, including images of an underage girl.

Sheriff Peter Paterson highlighted the serious sexual nature of the case and warned the court would consider this gravely.

Sentencing was postponed until June 15 to allow for background reports to be prepared 2025: Welso Man in Court Over Child Image Allegations A Kelso man has appeared in private at Jedburgh Sheriff Court accused of a string of shocking offences involving indecent images of children.

Thomas Moriarty, 35, faces three serious charges said to involve illegal material, along with an additional count of possessing “extreme pornographic images.” The accused also allegedly breached his bail conditions, sparking further legal trouble.

Moriarty made no plea when he appeared before Sheriff Kevin McCarron, and the case was continued for further examination.

Despite the disturbing allegations, Moriarty was granted bail pending the next hearing.