FRASER WADE CAUGHT WITH HUNDREDS OF CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN STONEHAVEN POLICE RAID

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stonehaven, police executed an early morning raid on the residence of Fraser Wade, a 32-year-old former ambulance technician, uncovering a significant collection of illegal and indecent images involving children. The operation took place at approximately 4:45 am on November 4, 2015, when officers arrived at Wade’s home, located at Annamuick Cottages in Stonehaven, to conduct a search warrant based on credible intelligence linking him to illicit online activity.

During the search, law enforcement officials discovered nearly 300 indecent images and a video stored across two laptops and a USB stick. The majority of these images were classified as Category C, indicating a lower but still serious level of sexual abuse material involving children. The remaining images fell into Category B, which represents a more severe form of child exploitation. The evidence was meticulously collected and examined to establish the extent of Wade’s involvement in accessing and possibly distributing such material.

Prosecutor John Richardson outlined the case details during proceedings at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. He explained that police had received information suggesting Wade was accessing a specific website known for hosting illegal content. Investigations traced the activity back to Wade’s email and IP addresses, leading to the issuance of a search warrant. The police’s inquiry revealed that Wade had uploaded images on October 27, 2015, which prompted further investigation.

On the day of the raid, officers found Wade alone at his property. A systematic search was carried out, resulting in the recovery of multiple electronic devices. Among these was a laptop placed on a coffee table in the living room, which contained 230 indecent images—222 of which were Category C, with the remaining being Category B. The officers also found a second laptop and two USB sticks in Wade’s bedroom. These devices were subjected to detailed forensic analysis, revealing an additional 54 indecent images with a similar distribution of categories, along with 11 indecent images and a video on the USB stick.

Wade subsequently pleaded guilty to charges related to the possession and creation of indecent photographs of children, including pseudo-photographs, which are images that simulate or resemble children in sexual contexts. His admission of guilt has brought the case to a critical juncture, with sentencing pending.

During the court hearing, Sheriff Graeme Napier ordered that the case be adjourned to allow for the preparation of a social work report. Wade’s bail was continued, and he was also instructed to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register in the meantime. The duration of his registration will be determined at his sentencing hearing, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences he faces moving forward.