Child porn man caught after police smash abuse network

Apr 21 2011 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A PERVERT from Uddingston was snared in the aftermath of a police investigation that smashed a Scots paedophile ring two years ago.

Christopher Black’s internet details were found on a laptop seized by police acting on FBI info on a large child abuse ring in Edinburgh in 2008.

The subsequent court case saw eight men convicted of sexual abuse of children in 2009, and at the time, newspapers described it as the most harrowing of its kind in Scotland.

Last week, Black (29) pleaded guilty to taking, or permitting to be taken or made, indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children.

The offences were committed at a home in Birkenshaw, and another house in Larkhall between January 10, 2008, and February 10, 2009.

Fiscal depute Vincent Lunnie told Hamilton Sheriff Court last Friday that 2058 images and 47 videos of child sex abuse were found on a computer, laptop and pen drive owned by Black.

Footage seized by officers during a search at his home on February 12, 2009, ranged in severity, with 32 images and 4 videos said to be categorised as the most serious in nature.

Mr Lunnie told the court that the original investigation started in March 2008 based on information disclosed by the FBI about a child pornography ring based in Edinburgh.

“The case made the press quite sensationally, when officers discovered not just indecent images but also sexual abuse,” said the fiscal depute.

“A computer owned by one of the accused in that case was seized and examined, which led to Mr Black’s internet address.

“A search warrant was granted in January 2009, and police attended the accused’s home, which is owned by his parents, on February 12 that year.

“Police were allowed access by the accused’s father.

“The accused was also at home at the time, and he was cautioned and questioned.”

The court heard that Black was asked if he had any computer equipment in the house. He directed them to his bedroom.

The accused was then asked if there was anything of an inappropriate nature on it, said Mr Lunnie.

Black replied that there were videos and movies downloaded, and that it was child pornography.

Mr Lunnie continued: “During an interview at Bellshill Police Office, he directed officers to his girlfriend’s address in Larkhall where he handed over a laptop stating, ‘I deleted any images I may have had on the laptop.’”

After a forensic examination of the computer equipment, Black attended Bellshill Police Office again on December 13, said the fiscal depute, where he made no comments during interview.

He was cautioned and charged, but made no reply.

Defence solicitor Ian Scott told Sheriff Carole Cunninghame that his client was well aware of the consequences of his actions.

However, he pointed out that first offender Black volunteered further materials as he “wanted to distance his parents and former girlfriend from any hint of suspicion that they were involved”.

Sheriff Cunninghame deferred sentence on Black until June 3 for a range of reports.

She added that, given the nature of the offence, he would be subject to sex offender registration requirements until that date.

Bail was continued.