WILLIAM JAMIESON FROM MUIR OF ORD FACES SEX OFFENDER STATUS AFTER CHILD ABUSE IMAGE DISCOVERY IN INVERNESS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Muir of Ord and the wider Highland region, William Jamieson, a 44-year-old resident of Muir of Ord, has been formally placed on the sex offenders register following his involvement in the possession and download of illegal child abuse images. The proceedings took place at Inverness Sheriff Court, where Jamieson appeared to face the consequences of his actions that spanned nearly two years.

According to court reports, Jamieson had been actively downloading indecent images of children from September 2009 until May 2013. These images depicted minors aged from as young as six to as old as 15 years. The illegal material was initially discovered after Jamieson’s wife found the content on his computer, prompting police investigations that uncovered a disturbing collection of images.

During the investigation, authorities found that on one of Jamieson’s laptops, there were 229 images of females aged between seven and twelve years. Additionally, a hard drive belonging to him contained approximately 330 images of children within the age range of six to fifteen. The police also discovered some moving images, or videos, on a separate laptop, further highlighting the severity of the material involved.

The case was initially brought before Inverness Sheriff Court in May, where Jamieson admitted to the charges of taking or permitting the taking of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. His legal representative, solicitor Michael Chapman, explained that the number of images was relatively small considering the length of time over which they were collected. He emphasized that very few of the images were moving pictures, which are often considered more disturbing.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Jamieson was living at Pumpgate Street, Inverness, at the time of sentencing. The court was also informed that Jamieson had undergone an assessment at New Craigs Hospital, where he was described as feeling ashamed and disgusted with himself. The report indicated that he was at risk of suicide at one point, but also suggested that he was suitable for a rehabilitation program aimed at making positive changes in his life.

In her sentencing remarks, Sheriff Margaret Neilson ordered the forfeiture of all computer equipment used in the commission of the offence. She also imposed a supervision order for three years, during which Jamieson will be monitored and supported in his rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for the same period and was sentenced to complete 270 hours of unpaid community work. Sheriff Neilson described this community service as a direct alternative to imprisonment, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation alongside punishment.