ABERDEEN MAN ALAN WIGHTMAN CAUGHT WITH THOUSANDS OF CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN ABERDEEN
In a serious case that has shocked the local community, Alan Wightman, a 41-year-old resident of Eday Gardens in Aberdeen, was brought before Aberdeen Sheriff Court in November 2018 to face charges related to the possession of a vast collection of indecent images of children.The court proceedings revealed the disturbing extent of Wightman’s alleged offenses, which involved the accumulation of thousands of illicit images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
According to court records, Wightman was found in possession of a total of 2,426 images on his computer, along with an additional 944 videos.
These files collectively amounted to approximately 42 hours and 48 minutes of highly disturbing content.
The images and videos were classified into categories based on their severity, with 164 images and 485 videos designated as Category A, indicating the most extreme material.
The remaining images and videos were categorized as B and C, with 391 images and 239 videos falling into Category B, and 1,871 images and 220 videos classified as Category C.
The police investigation was initiated after a raid on Wightman’s home on December 15 of the previous year.
During the operation, officers were met by Wightman’s wife, who appeared to be stunned by the discovery.
Further inquiries led police to trace Wightman to his workplace, where he was confronted and subsequently admitted to the charges.
Wightman acknowledged that he had been involved in taking or permitting the taking of indecent photographs of children over a period spanning from November 23, 2013, to December 15, 2017.
The court heard that the severity of the images was significant, with a substantial portion classified as Category A, which denotes the most severe and disturbing material.
The case has raised serious concerns about child exploitation and the safety of minors, prompting the court to take a stern approach.
Sheriff William Summers deferred sentencing until December 20 to allow for the preparation of reports and assessments.
During the hearing, Sheriff Summers issued a stark warning to Wightman, emphasizing the gravity of his actions.
He stated that there was a “significant prospect” that Wightman could face imprisonment, especially given the serious nature of the offenses.
The sheriff cautioned Wightman that he might spend the upcoming Christmas behind bars, underscoring the potential consequences of his actions.
Wightman’s defense lawyer, Stuart Murray, chose not to offer any mitigation at this stage, indicating that further arguments would be presented when the case returns to court for sentencing.
The case continues to be a matter of concern for the local community, highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from harm.
