MURRAY TEMPLE FROM ELLON CAUGHT IN SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN ABERDEEN

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Ellon, Murray Temple, aged 31, has been found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving minors. The case was heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where details of Temple’s criminal activities were laid bare, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years.

Temple faced a total of nine charges, including possession of numerous indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children, which he had accumulated between June 30, 2016, and February 12 of the following year. The court was informed that he had also engaged in sexual activity with a boy under the age of 16, between May 1 and July 20, 2016. Furthermore, Temple admitted to sending the young boy messages that explicitly referenced sexual acts, indicating a deliberate attempt to exploit and manipulate the minor.

In addition to these offences, Temple repeatedly communicated with another young boy, sending him messages of a sexual nature and persuading him to send indecent photographs of himself. These exchanges took place over a period from September 16, 2016, to November 29, 2016. Temple also sent this boy indecent images of himself, further demonstrating a pattern of grooming and exploitation.

The court heard that Temple had also sent an indecent photograph to a third boy, which he falsely claimed was from the minor himself. In a malicious act, Temple threatened to spread sexual rumors about this boy among his peers, aiming to damage his reputation. Additionally, Temple sent an indecent image, purportedly from the third boy, to two other children under the age of 16, escalating the severity of his offending.

Sheriff Philip Mann addressed Temple directly, stating, “I’m going to fix what’s known as a proof of mitigation. That’s to allow the court to determine exactly how your contact with the complainer in charge 4 (the boy Temple had sex with) came about.” The sheriff emphasized the seriousness of the offences, warning that there was a high likelihood of a custodial sentence being imposed.

As part of the court’s rulings, Temple’s mobile phone and laptop were ordered to be forfeited, and his sentencing was deferred until June to allow for social work reports to be prepared. The court also imposed notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Act, given Temple’s address at South Road, Ellon. The case has highlighted the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Temple and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse.