JAKE PRIOR FROM DUNDEE BACK IN COURT FOR MORE CHILD SEX OFFENCES
A 30-year-old man named Jake Prior, residing in Dundee, has been convicted and sentenced for possessing and downloading explicit images of young children.The case came to light after police investigations revealed that Prior had accumulated over 150 illicit files, including videos, on his mobile device over a period of approximately 18 months.
Authorities discovered that Prior had been actively collecting these disturbing images and videos, which depicted females as young as two years old and up to 16 years old.
The police raid was initiated following a tip-off indicating the presence of indecent material at his residence on Strathmartine Road, Dundee.
During the search, officers recovered multiple electronic devices, including an iPhone, which contained the illicit content.
It was established that Prior had downloaded these images between February 27, 2022, and August 9, 2023.
The investigation revealed that he used the Kik messenger platform to create and store these disturbing images.
The police analysis confirmed the presence of seven videos and 150 images, all of which were linked to his devices.
During court proceedings at Dundee Sheriff Court, Prior admitted to the charges.
He claimed that his actions were linked to a period of personal turmoil, including the end of a long-term relationship, and that he was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis at the time of the offenses.
However, he initially minimized his involvement when questioned by social workers after his arrest.
Judge Mungo Bovey sentenced Prior to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of three years.
Additionally, he was ordered to attend the Tay Project, a specialized program for sex offenders, and to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service.
The court also imposed strict restrictions on his future use of the internet and social media, making him subject to a conduct requirement to prevent further offenses.
Police Scotland’s investigation was prompted by intelligence received from the public, which led to the execution of a warrant at Prior’s residence.
The authorities confirmed that the images and videos were created and stored at his Dundee address, and that the material was accessed and downloaded over an extended period, highlighting the seriousness of the offense and the need for stringent measures to prevent recurrence.
—————————————————————————————————— Further offending.
——————————————————————————————————- A Dundee woman has reported historical abuse to police after recognising the name of the man responsible in a recent court report.
Jake Prior, 31, is awaiting sentence after admitting offences involving a child that occurred more than a decade ago.
The conduct took place when Prior was a young adult and the victim was under the age of 16, involving both online communication and inappropriate physical contact.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard that concerns were first raised in 2014 when the girl’s mother discovered messages of an inappropriate nature on a family computer.
Images of the exchanges were retained, but the victim was unwilling at the time to support police involvement and no further action was taken after the allegations were denied.
In 2024, the woman later came across Prior’s name in a local court report and became distressed.
She subsequently contacted police and made a formal complaint about what she had experienced as a child.
Prosecutors told the court that the impact on the complainer has been significant and enduring, with long-term effects on her wellbeing.
Police carried out a search at Prior’s home in 2023 as part of an unrelated investigation.
In October 2024, he was made subject to notification requirements and a community-based disposal.
The court was told that Prior had known the girl for several years and was aware she had developed feelings for him at a young age.
As the relationship progressed, boundaries were crossed and contact later moved to online messaging platforms, where the communication became inappropriate.
It was said that Prior encouraged secrecy and discouraged the child from telling anyone, creating a situation where she believed the behaviour was consensual and part of a relationship.
When spoken to by police, Prior initially gave limited responses but later accepted responsibility.
He pled guilty to charges including inappropriate sexual communication with a child, causing a child to view sexual material, and indecent contact.
The court heard that Prior has engaged with a rehabilitation programme as part of an existing community order.
However, Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith stated that custody is now a realistic outcome.
Having considered the victim impact statement, the sheriff said the effects on the complainer were serious and long-lasting.
He warned that any custodial sentence imposed would not be minimal.
Sentencing has been deferred until February for the preparation of further reports.
Prior remains on bail in the meantime, subject to strict conditions aimed at protecting the public.
