IAIN HUNTER FROM CRIEFF ESCAPES JAIL IN CHILD PORN CASE, BANNED FROM COMPUTERS

In a high-profile case that has shocked the community of Crieff and the wider Perth and Kinross area, Iain Hunter, a former councillor and member of the Scottish National Party, was found guilty of possessing and downloading child pornography. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Hunter's actions, which spanned several months and took place both at his residence in Gallowhill, Crieff, and within the Perth and Kinross Council building.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Hunter, aged 44, narrowly avoided a custodial sentence. The Perth Sheriff Court, presided over by Sheriff Shiona Waldron, determined that Hunter posed a medium risk to children, which influenced the court's decision to impose a probation order rather than imprisonment. As part of his sentence, Hunter was prohibited from being alone with children under the age of 16, a measure aimed at preventing any potential reoffending.

Sheriff Waldron emphasized the seriousness of Hunter’s admitted behavior, stating, “You have accepted your behaviour was illegal and that the children contained in the photographs were harmed in the process.” She further noted that Hunter was assessed as a medium risk for reoffending, taking into account his acknowledgment of the illegality of his actions.

The court heard that Hunter had accessed and downloaded images of children from the internet both at his home and within the Perth and Kinross Council offices. His activities were carried out over a period of several months, during which he accumulated a significant collection of illicit material. Hunter’s home computer was confiscated as part of the investigation, and he was subsequently added to the Sex Offenders Register.

The trial revealed that Hunter possessed more than 1,000 images depicting the sexual abuse of boys, stored on both his work and personal computers. Police experts testified that hundreds of these images were found on Hunter’s devices, illustrating the extent of his illegal activities. However, the sheriff clarified that the police’s evidence alone was insufficient for a conviction. Instead, she based her decision on three specific images of young boys, which a medical expert confirmed were under the age of 16. These images were shown to her during the trial, and their age was a critical factor in the court’s ruling.

Overall, the case has raised serious concerns about child safety and the responsibilities of individuals in positions of trust within the community of Crieff and beyond. Hunter’s actions have been met with widespread condemnation, and the court’s decision underscores the importance of vigilance and strict legal measures to combat such heinous crimes.