LINDSEY HOLMAN OF HADDINGTON ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CHILD ABUSE IMAGES SCANDAL

In a case that has shocked the East Lothian community, Lindsay Holman, a former senior executive with a well-known technology firm, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found in possession of highly disturbing and illegal images depicting child abuse. The incident came to light following a police raid on his residence in Haddington, where authorities uncovered a significant collection of illicit material stored across multiple electronic devices.

Holman, aged 64, appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on a recent Monday, with sentencing proceedings temporarily postponed to allow for the preparation of detailed reports. The court was informed that Holman had been involved in the possession and viewing of these abhorrent images over a period of five years, raising serious concerns about his conduct and the safety of potential victims.

Sheriff Kenneth Maciver addressed Holman directly, stating, “What you are viewing is the sexual abuse of children. How anyone can gain satisfaction from that is beyond most people’s understanding.” The sheriff emphasized the gravity of the offense, which involved material depicting children as young as two years old. Despite the severity of the crimes, the sheriff clarified that the court’s decision was influenced by the possibility of alternative sentencing options, as determined by higher courts, rather than a desire for immediate custody.

Holman was found to have downloaded and viewed numerous videos and photographs featuring minors aged between two and 14. As part of his sentence, he was placed under supervision for a period of three years and mandated to complete 225 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was registered as a sex offender for three years, a measure intended to monitor and prevent any further offenses.

The police investigation was initiated after a warrant was executed at Holman’s Haddington home on May 25 of the previous year. During the search, officers confiscated several electronic devices, including a systems unit, a laptop, and external hard drives. The forensic analysis of these devices revealed nearly 500 indecent images, with 84 classified as Category A—the most severe level of child exploitation material. The laptop alone contained approximately 500 images, 46 of which were Category A, along with 17 videos at the same level. One external hard drive held a Category A video, while another contained additional indecent images.

Holman admitted to possessing these illegal images, which dated from August 20, 2016, to May 25, 2021. Records indicate that during much of this period, he was serving as the managing director of Televisua Ltd, a research firm specializing in digital video, television, mobile devices, consumer electronics, and interactive television. Company records show that Holman applied to dissolve the company in June 2020, shortly before his arrest.

The case has raised serious concerns about the safeguarding of children and the responsibilities of individuals in positions of trust. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance and swift action in tackling such heinous crimes, which have profound and lasting impacts on victims and their families.