EDINBURGH PENSIONER ALEXANDER PENMAN JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN SCANDAL INVOLVING FOOTBALL CIRCLES
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community in Edinburgh, Alexander Penman, a 66-year-old man with ties to local football and social circles, has been sentenced to prison after being found in possession of a large collection of child sexual abuse images and videos.The incident came to light in April 2011 when police officers executed a search warrant at his residence in Balgreen, Edinburgh, following credible intelligence suggesting that Penman was actively downloading indecent photographs using file-sharing software.
During the police raid, officers discovered a staggering total of 1,158 indecent photographs and 14 videos depicting the abuse of children aged between six and sixteen.
The material was stored on his personal computer, and Penman had used Limewire, a peer-to-peer file-sharing program, to obtain the illicit content.
The severity of the discovery prompted immediate legal action, and Penman was arrested on the spot.
At Edinburgh Sheriff Court, the court was informed that Penman had openly admitted to officers that he derived a 'kick' from viewing these images.
He acknowledged the presence of indecent images of children on his computer and expressed remorse, stating that he was not proud of his actions.
Furthermore, Penman revealed that he had contacted his doctor and was seeking psychological help to address his problem.
During the proceedings, the court heard that Penman had pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography between January 2008 and April 2011.
The case had been deferred for sentencing until the court received reports on his character and background.
Deputy Procurator Fiscal Jane Hilditch provided details of the police interview, emphasizing that Penman had been candid about his activities and his lack of pride in them.
In his defense, Penman’s solicitor advocate, Matthew Auchincloss, highlighted that his client had sought help from a charity called 'Stop It,' which was assisting him in understanding why viewing such images was wrong.
The defense argued that Penman had led a reputable life prior to this incident, working diligently and maintaining a positive reputation within the community.
They also pointed out that he had no prior criminal record and had been considered an upstanding member of society.
However, the court was clear in its stance on such offenses.
Sheriff Maciver emphasized the importance of deterrence and made it known that the court would not tolerate crimes involving the exploitation of children.
As part of the sentence, Penman was ordered to serve ten months in prison and to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.
The sheriff also expressed his hope that the sentence would serve as a warning to others who might consider engaging in similar criminal behavior.
Adding to the gravity of the case, it was revealed that Penman was also known as an after-dinner speaker, often hired for events organized by youth football clubs and boys’ organizations.
He was well known in footballing circles and had appeared alongside notable figures such as pundit Chic Young, ex-Rangers star Mark Hateley, and columnist Tam Cowan.
His role as a master of ceremonies at these events reportedly commanded fees upwards of £500.
Despite his public persona, the police found that Penman’s private life was marred by this disturbing secret.
The discovery of the extensive collection of child abuse images has cast a dark shadow over his reputation and raised serious concerns about the safety of the children involved.
The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking behind seemingly respectable facades in communities across Edinburgh.
