EDINBURGH POLICE OFFICER LIAM ROBERTS CAUGHT WITH NEARLY 900 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AND EXPOSED AS PAEDOPHILE
In a shocking revelation that has rocked the Edinburgh community, Liam Roberts, a 35-year-old police officer, has been found guilty of possessing an alarming collection of nearly 900 indecent images of children.The disturbing discovery came after a police raid on his residence, which uncovered a trove of illicit material that included some of the most severe categories of child exploitation.
Roberts, who had served in the police force for over eight years, pleaded guilty to charges of possessing 874 indecent images, with 18 classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level involving penetrative sexual acts.
The court heard that these images were collected over a period spanning from April 2011 to October 2012.
Additionally, Roberts admitted to engaging in online conversations with other individuals involved in similar criminal activities, exchanging and distributing these vile images between March 10 and September 27 of the previous year.
The police investigation was initiated after authorities received a tip-off from an internet service provider, which led them to Roberts’ home in the Fernieside area of Edinburgh.
During the search, officers seized his computer and other electronic devices for forensic analysis.
The examination revealed a disturbing library of images, including 18 of the most grotesque Category A material, along with 30 images classified as Category B and a staggering 826 in Category C.
When questioned about the images, Roberts initially denied having any indecent material, claiming, “Not that I can think of, no.” However, under court questioning, he later admitted to leading a “double life,” actively swapping sick images online with other paedophiles and discussing his “image preferences” over Skype.
Roberts’ actions extended beyond mere possession.
The investigation uncovered that he had engaged in online conversations with other offenders, discussing their preferences and, on two separate occasions, distributing indecent images to others.
His online activities and exchanges revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior that went beyond simple possession, indicating active participation in the sharing and dissemination of child abuse material.
Following his arrest on November 3, Roberts was detained and subsequently suspended from the police force.
His resignation was accepted by the authorities on the Monday following his arrest.
The case was brought before Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Kenneth McGowan heard that Roberts had led a “double life,” hiding his criminal activities behind his role as a police officer.
The court was also informed that Roberts had been involved in these illicit activities for over five years.
In court, the prosecution highlighted that Roberts had engaged in online discussions with other offenders, revealing his “image preferences” and actively distributing indecent images.
The police confirmed that Roberts’ actions were uncovered through an intelligence-led operation, emphasizing the seriousness of his crimes.
The court also noted that Roberts had been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for three years and was ordered to perform 180 hours of unpaid community service within eight months.
Additionally, he was sentenced to a three-year period of supervision under a Community Payback Order.
Sentencing was deferred until next month to allow for the preparation of reports, and Roberts remains on bail during this period.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Edinburgh community, raising concerns about the presence of such criminal behavior within the ranks of law enforcement and highlighting the ongoing battle against child exploitation.
