IAN STEVENSON FROM DUNDEE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE POSSESSING OVER 20,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES
In a case that has shocked the community of Dundee, Ian Stevenson, a well-educated computing expert, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found in possession of an extensive collection of indecent images of children.The investigation was initiated following a police raid on his residence located on Main Street in the Hilltown area of Dundee, where authorities uncovered a disturbing cache of illicit material.
Stevenson, aged 58, faced serious charges related to the possession and distribution of indecent images spanning several years.
He pleaded guilty to multiple counts, including taking or permitting the taking of such images between April 2005 and March 2012.
Additionally, he admitted to possessing indecent images at an address in the St Mary’s area of Dundee from January 2011 through March 2012.
The Dundee Sheriff Court was informed that during the police search conducted on May 9, a staggering number of images—more than 20,000—were discovered on computers at Stevenson’s home.
The sheer volume of material was described as vile and deeply disturbing, highlighting the severity of the case.
Following the initial hearing, Stevenson was brought back to court for sentencing, where reports prepared by social and criminal justice professionals were considered.
His solicitor, David Sinclair, provided insight into his client’s background, describing Stevenson as a man who has been “socially isolated” for much of his life.
Sinclair emphasized that Stevenson had developed an “obsession” with sourcing these images but had not engaged in such activities since 2012.
In light of these circumstances, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael opted against a custodial sentence.
Instead, Stevenson was sentenced to 18 months of supervision, which includes mandatory participation in 180 hours of unpaid community work.
Furthermore, he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of 18 months, marking a significant but less severe outcome considering the gravity of the offenses.
Earlier in January 2019, Stevenson’s case had already garnered attention when he was granted bail after admitting to possessing thousands of indecent images of children.
The police had uncovered the material during a raid on his then-home in St Kilda Terrace in Dundee.
The court heard that the images were stored across multiple devices, and the total number exceeded 20,000.
Stevenson, who holds degrees in computing and mathematics, faced charges for the period from April 8, 2005, to March 9, 2012, and also for possessing indecent images from January 10, 2011, to March 19, 2012.
His case was adjourned to allow for comprehensive criminal and social work assessments, with a sentencing date set for February 26.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Stevenson’s bail was maintained, and he remains on the sex offenders register during this period, underscoring the ongoing legal process and the community’s concern over such disturbing offenses.
