GARY CALDWELL CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORN IN AYR: INDECENT IMAGES OF GIRLS AS YOUNG AS 10 CLAIMED AS 'INSPIRATION' FOR COMPUTER GAME

In August 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Gary Caldwell, a resident of Ayr, who was found in possession of indecent images depicting young girls as young as 10 years old. Caldwell, aged 34 and living on Kyle Street in Ayr, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court to face charges related to this serious offense. The case drew attention not only because of the nature of the images but also due to Caldwell’s unusual explanation for possessing them.

According to court records, Caldwell pleaded guilty to the possession of indecent images of children, which he had stored on his computer between April and November 2017. The investigation was initiated after police executed a search warrant at Caldwell’s Ayr flat, which was initially related to a different matter. During the search, detectives uncovered a collection of illicit images, which included photographs of girls aged between 10 and 12. These images depicted the young girls in various compromising poses, often focusing on their genitals, with some images showing them in underwear, leotards, or bikinis.

The lengthy delay in bringing Caldwell to court was explained during the proceedings. It was revealed that the investigation was complicated by the fact that Caldwell’s brother was also facing criminal charges in a separate case. This connection caused the police to delay their investigation until the brother’s case was resolved. The police recovered a computer from Caldwell’s residence, which was subsequently analyzed. The forensic examination revealed that Caldwell had used a specific program to copy files from a folder and hard drive, which were then sent to his online account. These copies were made in April 2017 and remained on his device until police seized them in November of the same year.

During the court hearing, Fiscal Depute Andrew Lazzarin detailed the findings, stating that eight indecent images of girls were discovered on Caldwell’s computer. The images varied in pose but shared a common focus on the girls’ genitals. Caldwell was traced and interviewed by police on July 5, after the computer analysis was completed. During the interview, Caldwell claimed that he downloaded the images to use as base character models for a computer game he was developing. However, investigators found no evidence on his machine to support the claim that he was actively working on such a project.

In sentencing, Sheriff Scott Pattison imposed a supervision order for Caldwell, which will last for three years. Caldwell was also ordered to participate in the 'Moving Forward, Making Changes' program, designed for men who have committed sexual offenses or offenses with a sexual element. Additionally, he was sentenced to complete 300 hours of unpaid community service within the next year and was placed on the sex offenders register. Sheriff Pattison emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating, “Because of the nature of the offences, you are subject to notification of sexual offenders requirements for three years.” Caldwell’s case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the possession and distribution of child exploitation material, and the importance of rigorous law enforcement in tackling such crimes in Ayr and beyond.