October 2014 Man found with 300,000 child abuse images and 3500 videos on computer – Jailed A man caught with more than 300,000 child abuse images has been jailed for four and a half years. Paul Hirst, 59, was arrested after police officers discovered a total of 306,978 images and 3471 videos on his computer showing children being sexually abused. The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Hirst started collecting the images in June 2007 and continued until June 2012. Police arrested Hirst after examining his computer following a tip-off about his activities. The story emerged following a hearing at the High Court on Friday in which Hirst appeared before judge Lord Brailsford. Hirst, of New Street in Hopeman near Elgin, pleaded guilty earlier this year at Elgin Sheriff Court to possessing child abuse images. A sheriff at the court felt the offence was too serious to be dealt with at sheriff court level and decided to send Hirst to the High Court. On Friday, defence advocate Bill Adam told the court that his client was full of remorse for what he had done and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Mr Adam added: “He has accepted full responsibility for his actions. He is very remorseful for what he has done. He is also determined that he will never offend again.” Passing sentence, judge Lord Brailsford also ordered Hirst to be supervised by the authorities for three and a half years following his release from jail. He told the first offender: “I take into account that you have previously been of good character and have no previous convictions. “I also take into account that you have had a good work record. These are mitigating factors. However, I must send you to prison. “The period of custody will be four years and six months. The period of extension will be three years and six months.”