ROSS ANDERSON FROM SHETLAND SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND RELEASED FROM JAIL
| Red Rose Database
Shetland Sexual Abuser Child Sexual Abuser Online Groomer
In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the community, Ross Anderson, a resident of Burra in Shetland, has been released from incarceration after serving a prison sentence related to serious child exploitation crimes. Anderson, aged 23, was convicted of possessing and distributing indecent images of children, as well as engaging in disturbing online communications that revealed a troubling interest in young children and inappropriate behaviors involving soiled nappies.
His criminal activities came to light after police investigations uncovered a vast collection of illicit material stored on his electronic devices. Authorities revealed that thousands of still images, some dating back to when Anderson was just 16 years old, were discovered on his devices. In addition to these images, police found hundreds of videos, with 241 classified as the most severe, some of which Anderson himself distributed. The material included images of Anderson posing in nappies, with some images showing him covered in feces, highlighting the disturbing nature of his interests.
Anderson had previously admitted to making and sharing indecent images and sending unsettling messages on social media platforms, which detailed his inappropriate desires involving children. The case was brought before Lerwick Sheriff Court, where the court heard that Anderson’s behavior was described as “utterly depraved” by Procurator Fiscal Duncan MacKenzie. Four cybercrime analysts, tasked with reviewing the videos Anderson distributed, described the content as some of the “worst they had ever seen,” emphasizing the severity of his offenses.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Anderson had engaged with the charity Stop It Now, which is dedicated to preventing child abuse. However, there was uncertainty about whether his involvement with the organization was a genuine effort to seek help or merely an attempt to mitigate his sentencing. Social workers involved in his case expressed concerns that Anderson’s sexual interest in children was unlikely to diminish and that he posed a significant risk of re-offending.
Initially, Anderson’s sentencing was deferred to allow for the preparation of background reports. His defense argued that he had been cooperating with Stop It Now since January and that sending him to prison would hinder his progress. The defense also highlighted that Anderson is classified as a “non-contact sexual offender,” suggesting that incarceration could expose him to other offenders who have committed more serious crimes against children, thereby increasing his risk.
Despite these arguments, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank determined that there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. He described Anderson’s offending as “shocking and extremely disturbing to the court and wider community.” Consequently, Anderson was sentenced to 32 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for ten years and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. This order restricts his ability to use internet-connected devices without police approval and requires him to surrender such devices for inspection when necessary. Furthermore, Anderson is prohibited from having contact with children unless supervised by someone aged 21 or over, aiming to prevent any future harm.
Following his release, community safety concerns remain high, and authorities continue to monitor Anderson’s activities closely, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children in Shetland and beyond.
His criminal activities came to light after police investigations uncovered a vast collection of illicit material stored on his electronic devices. Authorities revealed that thousands of still images, some dating back to when Anderson was just 16 years old, were discovered on his devices. In addition to these images, police found hundreds of videos, with 241 classified as the most severe, some of which Anderson himself distributed. The material included images of Anderson posing in nappies, with some images showing him covered in feces, highlighting the disturbing nature of his interests.
Anderson had previously admitted to making and sharing indecent images and sending unsettling messages on social media platforms, which detailed his inappropriate desires involving children. The case was brought before Lerwick Sheriff Court, where the court heard that Anderson’s behavior was described as “utterly depraved” by Procurator Fiscal Duncan MacKenzie. Four cybercrime analysts, tasked with reviewing the videos Anderson distributed, described the content as some of the “worst they had ever seen,” emphasizing the severity of his offenses.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Anderson had engaged with the charity Stop It Now, which is dedicated to preventing child abuse. However, there was uncertainty about whether his involvement with the organization was a genuine effort to seek help or merely an attempt to mitigate his sentencing. Social workers involved in his case expressed concerns that Anderson’s sexual interest in children was unlikely to diminish and that he posed a significant risk of re-offending.
Initially, Anderson’s sentencing was deferred to allow for the preparation of background reports. His defense argued that he had been cooperating with Stop It Now since January and that sending him to prison would hinder his progress. The defense also highlighted that Anderson is classified as a “non-contact sexual offender,” suggesting that incarceration could expose him to other offenders who have committed more serious crimes against children, thereby increasing his risk.
Despite these arguments, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank determined that there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. He described Anderson’s offending as “shocking and extremely disturbing to the court and wider community.” Consequently, Anderson was sentenced to 32 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for ten years and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. This order restricts his ability to use internet-connected devices without police approval and requires him to surrender such devices for inspection when necessary. Furthermore, Anderson is prohibited from having contact with children unless supervised by someone aged 21 or over, aiming to prevent any future harm.
Following his release, community safety concerns remain high, and authorities continue to monitor Anderson’s activities closely, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children in Shetland and beyond.