ABERDEEN MARINE BIOLOGIST CHRISTOPHER MCWHIRTER FOUND GUILTY OF CHILD ABUSE VIDEO DOWNLOADS

In a case that has shocked the community of Aberdeen, marine biologist Christopher McWhirter, aged 32, has been convicted of possessing and downloading a significant number of indecent videos involving children, as well as extreme pornography. The trial, held at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, revealed disturbing details about the allegations against him and the evidence uncovered during police investigations.

McWhirter, originally from Buckie, was accused of having in his possession approximately 180 videos stored on his personal computer. These videos were found during a police raid on his residence in December 2021. Cybercrime officers examined his device and discovered numerous folders labeled “filth” and “my dirty life,” which contained the illicit content. The footage included images of children as young as four years old, with the court being informed of the disturbing nature of the material.

Throughout the trial, McWhirter vehemently denied any involvement in downloading the videos. He claimed that someone else had gained unauthorized access to his laptop and was responsible for the downloads. He described the act as “sick” and “vile,” asserting that he had no part in the creation or distribution of such material. Despite his claims, a jury deliberated for less than an hour and a half before reaching a unanimous verdict, finding him guilty of possessing the videos and of possessing extreme pornography involving adult females and dogs. The jury also convicted him by a majority of having downloaded the footage.

Following the verdict, Sheriff Philip Mann addressed McWhirter directly, stating, “You have been found guilty of all three charges on the indictment.” The sheriff acknowledged that McWhirter had no previous convictions and indicated that he would consider all sentencing options available. Sheriff Mann also warned McWhirter that he needed to be prepared for the possibility of a prison sentence, emphasizing that he would need to be satisfied that no alternative punishment was suitable before imposing a custodial sentence.

During the proceedings, McWhirter offered various explanations regarding how the illicit images might have ended up on his computer. He suggested that conflicts with enemies on social media platform Reddit and through online gaming could have led to hacking incidents, which resulted in the downloads. Additionally, he claimed that the videos might have been acquired while he was downloading films and audiobooks for his work on boats in the North Sea.

The court was also informed that McWhirter has been placed on the sex offenders register. Fiscal depute Kirsty Martin detailed the police findings, revealing that nearly five hours of video footage involving children aged between four and 15 years old had been recovered from his laptop. Much of the content was described as too disturbing to report in detail.

During a police interview, officers pointed out that the videos were linked to an online username “Tophe,” associated with an email address. McWhirter strongly denied any involvement, describing the content as “sick” and expressing disbelief that such material was on his device. “I wouldn’t ever look at anything like that, I have no idea why it’s even there,” he stated. He further questioned the intelligence of anyone who would keep such material on a laptop, emphasizing his innocence.

In the interview, a police officer suggested that downloading such indecent material might indicate a “problem” he has. McWhirter responded emphatically, “I do not download child porn,” and reiterated, “It’s disgusting. There’s no way I would download stuff as vile as that.”

Sentencing was deferred until next month to allow for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty assessment. Sheriff Mann also ordered McWhirter, of Ashvale Place, Aberdeen, to be registered as a sex offender, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the court’s findings.