CAMERON MACKEY FROM BALINTORE FACES JAIL OVER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND SEXUAL COMMUNICATIONS IN INVERNESS

Cameron Mackay, a 26-year-old resident of Bank Street in Balintore, is set to face sentencing in January after admitting to serious offenses involving child exploitation and inappropriate communications. The charges stem from a series of illegal activities carried out at his home between July 31, 2021, and October 28, 2022, which were uncovered during a police investigation.

At Inverness Sheriff Court, Mackay pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including the possession and creation of indecent images and videos depicting children being abused. These images were found on devices seized during a police raid, which included a laptop and a mobile phone. The analysis of these devices revealed a disturbing collection of material, with 24 images classified as Category A, indicating the most graphic content. Additionally, there were 20 inaccessible images and 10 videos that could be viewed, four of which were also in Category A. The investigation also uncovered seven inaccessible videos, three of which fell into the most severe category.

Beyond the possession of illicit images, Mackay admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communication with an older child. He also pleaded guilty to intentionally sending explicit messages to another individual without their consent. Evidence presented during the case detailed explicit language used by Mackay in communications with a girl who claimed to be only 15 years old. Furthermore, he sent images depicting a man performing a sexual act on himself, adding to the severity of the charges.

During the court proceedings, Mackay's solicitor advocate, Shahid Latif, requested that Sheriff Sara Matheson order a background report before sentencing, which is a standard procedure in cases involving such serious allegations. Mackay's bail was continued, allowing him to remain free until his sentencing hearing scheduled for January 25 next year.

Prosecutor Emily Hood emphasized the gravity of the case, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material found and the potential harm caused. The case underscores ongoing concerns about online exploitation and the importance of rigorous law enforcement efforts to combat such crimes in communities like Balintore and the wider Inverness area.