GARY MACKENZIE FROM MORAY CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN POLICE RAID
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community in Moray, a former technician at Moray College has pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of minors.The individual, identified as Gary MacKenzie, aged 52, was apprehended following a police operation at his residence in Dufftown last year.
The authorities uncovered a significant collection of illicit material, including nearly four hours of videos depicting children as young as three years old.
According to reports, police executed a search warrant at MacKenzie's home on July 22, after receiving intelligence that the internet network at his property was involved in sharing images of children.
During the raid, officers spent several hours meticulously searching the premises, which involved removing numerous boxes of belongings, including computers and storage devices.
The investigation was prompted by concerns over the sharing and possession of child exploitation material.
At Elgin Sheriff Court, prosecutor Alison Wylie detailed the findings, revealing that the images and videos were located on a tower computer, a hard drive, and multiple disks.
She explained that a number of files were recovered, indicating that MacKenzie had accessed videos involving children.
The court was informed that the material included 16 images classified as Category A, five as Category B, and 16 as Category C, with the total duration of the videos approaching four hours.
The footage depicted children aged between three and fifteen years old.
Mrs.
Wylie also noted that the police had chosen not to disclose specific search terms used by MacKenzie during his online activity, citing privacy and sensitivity concerns.
The investigation confirmed that MacKenzie was in possession of these illicit images between November 5, 2007, and July 21 of the previous year.
Additionally, he admitted to possessing extreme pornographic material from March 28, 2011, up until the date of his arrest.
During the hearing, Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov deferred sentencing until July 14, pending the preparation of reports.
MacKenzie, who resides at 9 Fife Street, also pleaded guilty to possessing indecent photographs of children and extreme pornography.
His defence solicitor, Robert Cruickshank, declined to comment publicly until the court delivers its final judgment.
The case has raised serious concerns about child safety and the ongoing efforts to combat online exploitation in the Moray region.
