STIRLING SEX OFFENDER IAN COUPER CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE VIDEOS AND IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stirling, police executed a search warrant at the residence of Ian Couper, a known sex offender, on the morning of September 24, 2024. The police arrived at his home, which is located in Stirling, and were met by his partner, who allowed them entry into the property. During the search, officers recovered Couper’s mobile phone, which was found lying on the living room floor, plugged into a charger.

Under caution, Couper was asked to provide his phone’s PIN code. He handed over the number but repeatedly claimed ignorance of a specific password protecting a hidden folder on his device. Despite his assertions, cybercrime specialists swiftly bypassed the security measures and gained access to the encrypted folder, revealing a disturbing collection of illicit material.

Investigators uncovered a total of 99 accessible indecent images of children, three of which were classified as the most graphic and depraved. Additionally, there were another 99 images that remained inaccessible due to encryption, but the cybercrime team managed to unlock the folder containing these files. Inside, they found seven videos depicting child abuse, all of which were accessible and three of which fell into the most severe category of depravity. The images and videos depicted young girls aged between six and 14 years old being subjected to abuse.

Further examination of the phone revealed that the files did not have creation dates, complicating efforts to establish when the material was produced. Nonetheless, the evidence was sufficient to charge Couper with possession of indecent images and pseudo-images of children, with the offences spanning from August 23, 2023, to September 24, 2024.

Following the discovery, police returned to formally charge the 47-year-old Stirling resident the next day. The case was deemed too serious for an immediate sentence, and Sheriff Craig Harris deferred the hearing until July 10, 2024. The sheriff emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “This case is too serious for the court to deal with today.”

In the meantime, Couper’s bail was continued, and he was ordered to undergo background checks. The court also granted the seizure and forfeiture of his phone. Couper, who now resides on McGrigor Road in Stirling, has been placed on the sex offenders register, with the duration of his notification requirements to be determined at the upcoming sentencing hearing.