CHI YAU SENTENCED TO 20 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN GLASGOW
A man identified as Chi Yau, aged 62, has been sentenced to a 20-month prison term after being found in possession of an extensive collection of illegal images, including over 240,000 indecent images of children and material classified as extreme pornography.The conviction stems from a police raid conducted at his residence in the Possilpark area of Glasgow on March 7, 2022.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized a significant amount of digital storage devices, including 24 discs, 11 hard drives, and a computer tower.
Initial examinations of these items revealed the presence of highly disturbing content, comprising images of children and extreme pornography.
Following the discovery, Yau was taken into custody while authorities carried out further forensic analysis of the devices.
Prosecutor Lauren Sangray provided detailed information about the contents of the seized materials, stating that there were approximately 233,169 images and videos depicting children in various states of sexual abuse and exploitation.
These images were created over a period spanning nearly two decades, from December 2003 to February 2022.
The prosecutor emphasized that the material involved both male and female children, with ages ranging from as young as one year old up to 16.
In addition to the child exploitation content, the police found an additional 8,364 images and videos classified as extreme porn, which also included both still images and moving footage.
The severity and volume of the illegal material underscored the gravity of the offense.
Yau appeared before Glasgow Sheriff Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography.
During the sentencing hearing, his defense solicitor, Susan Gibson, expressed a degree of remorse and indicated that Yau was seeking help to prevent future misconduct, stating, “He does want help to make sure he does not find himself in a situation like this.” However, Sheriff Gerard Bonnar responded by highlighting the seriousness of the case, noting that the number of images and the nature of the offenses warranted a custodial sentence.
He stated, “Having regard to authorities, punishment and general deterrents, the number contained and the length, there is no appropriate alternative to custody in my view.” In addition to the prison sentence, Yau was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, reflecting the ongoing concern for public safety and the importance of monitoring individuals convicted of such offenses in Glasgow and beyond.
