CHARLES AITKENHEAD FROM GUARDBRIDGE CAUGHT WITH HORRIFIC CHILD AND ANIMAL ABUSE IMAGES IN ST ANDREWS
| Red Rose Database
Guardbridge Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Charles Aitkenhead, a 58-year-old resident of Innerbridge Street in Guardbridge, Fife, was found to have downloaded and possessed an alarming collection of indecent images involving children and extreme pornography, including bestiality. The investigation revealed that these illicit files were stored on a shared Macbook computer at his former residence in St Andrews, where he maintained access despite their separation in 2007.
The case came to light in August 2016 when police received a tip-off indicating that a computer at the address was suspected of containing indecent images. Following this information, authorities executed a search warrant at the property in September of that year. During the raid, officers seized the Macbook, which was then subjected to forensic examination. The results were deeply troubling: nearly 1,050 indecent images of children were discovered, with 349 classified as the most severe Category A. Additionally, the device contained approximately 750 images categorized as B and C, along with five videos depicting extreme pornography involving animals.
Mrs. Aitkenhead, who was the only resident at the time, was taken into police custody and interviewed at Kirkcaldy police station. She maintained her innocence, asserting that she had no knowledge of the images and that her ex-husband had unrestricted access to the laptop when he visited her home. She explained to officers that they had separated in 2007 but remained on good terms, with Aitkenhead regularly visiting her and having free access to the Macbook. She denied ever seeing or being aware of the illicit content stored on the device.
Meanwhile, Aitkenhead was detained and questioned at Kirkcaldy police station. He admitted to viewing the images and confirmed that he had searched for such material on Google and clicked on links leading to the images. The police investigation uncovered that he had been actively searching for and downloading these disturbing images between January 2012 and September 2016. The forensic analysis confirmed that he possessed a significant number of child abuse images, many of which fell into the most severe category, and also included explicit material involving animals.
During the court proceedings, Aitkenhead pleaded guilty to charges of downloading and possessing indecent images of children, as well as possessing extreme pornography. The offences spanned several years, with the first being in January 2012 and the latest in September 2016. The court also heard that he had used Google to search for the illicit material, indicating premeditation and intent.
In sentencing, Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC emphasized the gravity of the offences, noting that most of the images were classified as Category C, but the sheer volume and disturbing nature of the content warranted serious consideration. Recognizing that Aitkenhead was a first-time offender and considering his employment status, the sheriff opted for a community-based disposal rather than immediate imprisonment. She imposed a community payback order with three years of supervision, 200 hours of unpaid work, and participation in a three-year sex offenders groupwork program. Conditions were also set regarding his contact with children and restrictions on internet use.
In her remarks, Sheriff Drummond highlighted the importance of addressing such offences within the community and stressed that the sentence aimed to balance punishment with rehabilitation. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals who seek out and distribute such heinous material, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and law enforcement in protecting vulnerable victims.
The case came to light in August 2016 when police received a tip-off indicating that a computer at the address was suspected of containing indecent images. Following this information, authorities executed a search warrant at the property in September of that year. During the raid, officers seized the Macbook, which was then subjected to forensic examination. The results were deeply troubling: nearly 1,050 indecent images of children were discovered, with 349 classified as the most severe Category A. Additionally, the device contained approximately 750 images categorized as B and C, along with five videos depicting extreme pornography involving animals.
Mrs. Aitkenhead, who was the only resident at the time, was taken into police custody and interviewed at Kirkcaldy police station. She maintained her innocence, asserting that she had no knowledge of the images and that her ex-husband had unrestricted access to the laptop when he visited her home. She explained to officers that they had separated in 2007 but remained on good terms, with Aitkenhead regularly visiting her and having free access to the Macbook. She denied ever seeing or being aware of the illicit content stored on the device.
Meanwhile, Aitkenhead was detained and questioned at Kirkcaldy police station. He admitted to viewing the images and confirmed that he had searched for such material on Google and clicked on links leading to the images. The police investigation uncovered that he had been actively searching for and downloading these disturbing images between January 2012 and September 2016. The forensic analysis confirmed that he possessed a significant number of child abuse images, many of which fell into the most severe category, and also included explicit material involving animals.
During the court proceedings, Aitkenhead pleaded guilty to charges of downloading and possessing indecent images of children, as well as possessing extreme pornography. The offences spanned several years, with the first being in January 2012 and the latest in September 2016. The court also heard that he had used Google to search for the illicit material, indicating premeditation and intent.
In sentencing, Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC emphasized the gravity of the offences, noting that most of the images were classified as Category C, but the sheer volume and disturbing nature of the content warranted serious consideration. Recognizing that Aitkenhead was a first-time offender and considering his employment status, the sheriff opted for a community-based disposal rather than immediate imprisonment. She imposed a community payback order with three years of supervision, 200 hours of unpaid work, and participation in a three-year sex offenders groupwork program. Conditions were also set regarding his contact with children and restrictions on internet use.
In her remarks, Sheriff Drummond highlighted the importance of addressing such offences within the community and stressed that the sentence aimed to balance punishment with rehabilitation. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals who seek out and distribute such heinous material, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and law enforcement in protecting vulnerable victims.