MICHAEL KENNY FROM FORFAR SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISTRIBUTION IN SCOTLAND

In a case that has shocked the local community of Forfar, Michael Kenny, a 33-year-old taxi driver, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Forfar Sheriff Court for serious offences related to the distribution and creation of child pornography. The court also imposed a series of strict conditions aimed at safeguarding the public once Kenny is released from custody.

Michael Kenny, who was self-employed and responsible for transporting children to school, had previously admitted to being involved in the dissemination of indecent photographs and images of minors through the use of specialized file-sharing software. Additionally, he confessed to producing indecent images of children, with these offences occurring at his residence on Lordburn Place, Forfar, during the period from January 21 to October 31, 2003.

The case was deferred to the court hearing to allow for a psychological assessment and to consider plea mitigation. During the proceedings last month, Procurator Fiscal Brian Bell provided details about the police investigation. The authorities had seized Kenny’s computer from his room after a police search of his parents’ home, which was conducted on unrelated matters. During the search, police discovered paper with obscene words and website addresses scribbled on it, which drew their attention to Kenny’s activities.

Mr. Bell revealed that the seized computer contained approximately 500 images and 100 video clips depicting the sexual abuse of children aged four and older. The material included disturbing scenes of incest and rape. The software used by Kenny had an online audience estimated at around three million viewers, highlighting the widespread reach of his activities. Despite having the ability to restrict access to his files, Kenny chose not to do so and instead maintained a second file-sharing program, which facilitated the distribution of these illicit materials.

During the court session, a selection of the recovered video clips and images was shown to the judge. Kenny’s defense lawyer, Suzie Clark, described her client as a “very naive individual” and urged the court to consider the technical aspects of the case. She argued that Kenny had been using file-sharing programs and had not actively sought out or distributed pornography to specific individuals. Ms. Clark emphasized that Kenny’s actions were at the lower end of such offences and stated, “In the scheme of things, Mr. Kenny’s offences are at the lower end of things — so far as Mr. Kenny’s actions are concerned — but not the images he viewed.” She also noted that Kenny did not fully understand the gravity of his crimes, claiming he had never discussed sexual behavior before and was sheltered from such topics.

However, Sheriff Kevin Veal pointed out that Kenny had failed to accept responsibility for his actions and had not shown remorse. The sheriff expressed the view that the court must send a clear message of societal disapproval for such conduct. He described the images and videos as “sickening and utterly depraved,” depicting serious abuse of children. Sheriff Veal stated, “If it wasn’t for the acts of people like the accused, these appalling images of children would not be made.”

Following his sentencing, Kenny was ordered to spend three years on licence, during which he would be subject to strict conditions regarding his internet access and contact with children under 16. Furthermore, he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk to the community.