JAMES SUTHERLAND FROM ISLAY ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN PORT ELLEN AND BOWMORE
| Red Rose Database
Islay Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Islay, James Sutherland, a 61-year-old preacher from Port Ellen, has been found in possession of a significant collection of child abuse images on his personal computer. The incident came to light during a police investigation, which uncovered that Sutherland had stored and searched for over 250 illicit images depicting children engaged in sexual activities.
According to court records, Sutherland had actively searched the internet for indecent images of minors, alongside religious content related to Baptist prayers. The authorities revealed that he admitted to possessing a total of 266 disturbing photographs on a laptop located in his bedroom. Some of these images were classified among the most severe categories of child pornography, highlighting the gravity of the offense.
The case was brought before Campbeltown Sheriff Court on a Tuesday, where Sutherland appeared to face charges related to the possession and distribution of child abuse material. Prosecutor Eoin McGinty detailed the extent of Sutherland’s online activity, emphasizing that the search history indicated a clear pattern of seeking out child pornography. Interestingly, the searches for Baptist prayers were interspersed within the searches for illicit images, suggesting a complex and troubling profile.
Following his arrest, Sutherland was released on bail, with a scheduled sentencing date set for April 11. As part of the legal proceedings, he was also placed on the sex offenders’ register, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further offenses.
In his capacity as a member of the Islay Baptist Church, Sutherland was known to lead services in both Port Ellen and Bowmore. However, church officials have publicly stated that his role did not involve direct contact with children. Jim McNulty, who succeeded Sutherland as the church’s minister after the charges, confirmed that the church had suspended Sutherland’s membership and imposed restrictions on his involvement. McNulty emphasized that the church takes child protection very seriously and that the future of Sutherland’s membership would be decided after consultations with other church members and authorities.
According to court records, Sutherland had actively searched the internet for indecent images of minors, alongside religious content related to Baptist prayers. The authorities revealed that he admitted to possessing a total of 266 disturbing photographs on a laptop located in his bedroom. Some of these images were classified among the most severe categories of child pornography, highlighting the gravity of the offense.
The case was brought before Campbeltown Sheriff Court on a Tuesday, where Sutherland appeared to face charges related to the possession and distribution of child abuse material. Prosecutor Eoin McGinty detailed the extent of Sutherland’s online activity, emphasizing that the search history indicated a clear pattern of seeking out child pornography. Interestingly, the searches for Baptist prayers were interspersed within the searches for illicit images, suggesting a complex and troubling profile.
Following his arrest, Sutherland was released on bail, with a scheduled sentencing date set for April 11. As part of the legal proceedings, he was also placed on the sex offenders’ register, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further offenses.
In his capacity as a member of the Islay Baptist Church, Sutherland was known to lead services in both Port Ellen and Bowmore. However, church officials have publicly stated that his role did not involve direct contact with children. Jim McNulty, who succeeded Sutherland as the church’s minister after the charges, confirmed that the church had suspended Sutherland’s membership and imposed restrictions on his involvement. McNulty emphasized that the church takes child protection very seriously and that the future of Sutherland’s membership would be decided after consultations with other church members and authorities.