DEREK MITCHELL FROM PERTH CAUGHT WITH HORDE OF CHILD INDECENT VIDEOS IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Perth community, Derek Mitchell, a 58-year-old shop assistant, has been found in possession of an extensive collection of indecent videos featuring children.The incident came to light in December 2014 when police uncovered the disturbing material at his residence on Glasgow Road, Perth.
According to court proceedings, Mitchell had been actively downloading these illicit videos over a period of four years, from 2010 to 2014.
The police investigation revealed that the total amount of content was so vast that viewing all of it would have taken nearly 30 hours, highlighting the severity and scale of his offending.
During the court hearing, fiscal depute Rebecca Kynaston provided details about the investigation.
She explained that police Scotland had received information indicating Mitchell's possession of child exploitation images.
Acting on this tip, officers approached him at his workplace, a local mountain sports shop, and subsequently took him to his home for a search.
The police raid uncovered multiple items, including a laptop and a Canon Power Shot camera, which became central to the investigation.
Mrs.
Kynaston stated that the laptop contained a significant number of illicit images and videos.
Specifically, authorities found 747 still images and 126 video clips depicting children aged between five and 16.
The videos, which had a combined running time of one day, four hours, 29 minutes, and 54 seconds, were stored in hidden folders on the device, indicating an attempt to conceal the material.
During the court session, Mitchell’s solicitor, David Holmes, emphasized that his client had no prior criminal record.
Holmes acknowledged the gravity of the charges but also noted that Mitchell was aware of the seriousness of his actions and had taken steps to address his issues.
Perth Sheriff William Wood warned Mitchell about the potential consequences of his guilty plea, stating that the charge was serious and could result in a custodial sentence.
As part of the legal process, Mitchell was placed on the sex offenders register, and the court deferred sentencing to allow for the preparation of reports to better assess his case.
