MARTIN FLORENCE FROM KIRRIEMUIR ESCAPES JAIL AFTER COMPUTER BAN RELAXATION IN SEX OFFENDER CASE

In a recent development at Dundee Sheriff Court, Martin Florence, a 44-year-old sex offender from Kirriemuir, has had his restrictions on computer use eased, allowing him to engage in online gaming activities to help manage his anxiety. Florence was placed under a sex offender prevention order following his admission to possessing hundreds of indecent images of children and breaching bail conditions. The order strictly prohibited him from owning or using any computer equipment or downloading applications without prior approval from supervising officers.

However, during the court hearing, it was revealed that Florence often experiences heightened anxiety and relies on playing online games to maintain his composure. As a result, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael granted permission for him to continue playing two specific online games: the fantasy game 'Heroes of Heartland' and online poker. The sheriff emphasized that Florence must adhere strictly to the conditions of his order, which restricts him from using any other software or devices without approval.

The case originated when police responded to a report indicating that indecent images had been downloaded onto a computer at Florence’s residence in Westfield, Kirriemuir. Upon executing a search, officers seized two electronic devices. Subsequent examination revealed that these devices contained a total of 341 images and five videos depicting children aged between six and 14. Florence, who was working as a taxi driver in Forfar at the time, admitted to the court that between August 4, 2016, and December 5, 2018, he had taken or allowed the taking of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children at his address in Westfield.

He also confessed to breaching bail conditions between December 7 and 11, 2018, by possessing an Amazon Fire device without informing the police. The court heard that Florence’s actions constituted serious offenses, though Sheriff Carmichael noted that the number of images was not excessively high. The sheriff stated, “These were serious offences but the number of images was not high, fortunately. It is in the zone of a custodial sentence but I am satisfied I can go down a non-custodial disposal route.”

In light of the circumstances, Florence was sentenced to a community payback order for three years, which includes supervision and participation in the 'Moving Forward Making Changes' program, along with a drug treatment order. The sheriff also imposed a conduct requirement that restricts Florence’s use of computer equipment and software, mandating that he seek prior approval from supervising officers before owning or downloading any devices or applications. Sheriff Carmichael concluded by warning Florence that this arrangement was a “direct alternative to prison,” emphasizing the importance of compliance with the conditions set forth in his order.