DR ALASDAIR MACLEAN FROM DUNDEE CLEARED OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

In a case that drew significant attention, Dr Alasdair Maclean, a respected medical law and ethics lecturer at Dundee University, was acquitted of possessing indecent images of children. The allegations against him stemmed from a report linking his personal details to a disturbing website in 2007.

The police, acting on this information, sought a warrant to search Dr Maclean’s residence in Dundee in 2009. However, their request was denied by the court, which meant they could not conduct a formal search without further evidence. Despite this setback, officers approached Dr Maclean directly, requesting his permission to examine his computers.

Dr Maclean agreed to the search but reportedly admitted to the officers that he had “looked at images of children.” Following the consent, police conducted a search of his PC and laptop, uncovering indecent photographs stored on both devices. These findings initially suggested a serious criminal offense.

However, during the trial at Dundee Sheriff Court, Dr Maclean maintained his innocence. He claimed that the police had tricked him into giving permission for the search, asserting that he had not knowingly possessed or viewed such images. The court heard his defense and examined the circumstances under which the evidence was obtained.

Ultimately, Sheriff Derek O’Carroll delivered a verdict of not guilty, ruling that the Crown had failed to prove that the police had obtained the evidence in a lawful and fair manner. The decision highlighted concerns over the procedures used during the investigation and underscored the importance of proper legal protocols in criminal searches.

As a result, Dr Maclean was cleared of all charges, and the case closed with the court emphasizing the need for evidence to be collected lawfully to ensure justice is served. The case remains a notable example of the complexities involved in criminal investigations related to digital evidence and privacy rights.