TERRY TWEED FROM CRAIGMILLAR EDINBURGH: SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Craigmillar, Edinburgh, Terry Tweed, a 66-year-old former community councillor and well-known activist, is set to be released from prison after serving only half of his sentence for possessing thousands of child abuse images. Tweed, who had been a prominent figure in local campaigns and initiatives, was convicted of possessing nearly 18,000 indecent images of children, with almost 6,000 classified in the most severe categories involving graphic abuse, torture, and sadistic acts against minors.

His arrest followed police discovery of the illicit material at his residence on Duddingston Row in Craigmillar. The investigation revealed that Tweed had accessed these images over a period spanning from December 2008 to December 2013, with the material being for his personal use and no evidence suggesting involvement of others. During court proceedings, it was disclosed that Tweed had admitted to the offences, which had taken place over five years, and he pleaded guilty to the charges.

In October 2014, Sheriff Nigel Ross sentenced Tweed to 26 months in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. Sheriff Ross stated, “Merely taking part in this process by looking at images and downloading them is to participate in an industry which destroys children’s lives.” Tweed was also ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. Despite his conviction, Tweed’s supporters and community members are grappling with the betrayal of trust, given his long-standing involvement in local activism and community projects.

At the time of sentencing, Tweed was described as a respected supporter of various local initiatives, including serving as secretary at Craigmillar Community Council and being a senior member of PARC Craigmillar, an organization leading regeneration efforts in the area. He was also a supporter of the “Save the Brae” campaign, which successfully prevented Castlebrae Community High School from closing. However, his reputation has been irrevocably tarnished by the revelations of his criminal conduct.

Following his release from Saughton Prison, reports indicate that Tweed has declared himself homeless. An informed source stated that the authorities plan to house him somewhere in Edinburgh, with the city council’s homeless unit handling his case. While the council has not confirmed the exact location where Tweed will reside, they emphasized that public safety remains their top priority. A council spokesperson explained, “We work closely with partner agencies to ensure that Scottish Government guidance relating to the risk management of serious offenders is followed. There are robust processes and procedures in place to manage them. Within our multi-agency protection arrangements, the protection of vulnerable people is central to our approach.”

Community reactions have been overwhelmingly negative. Paul Nolan, a longstanding community councillor in Craigmillar, expressed his disgust and concern, stating, “He should be as far away from the city as possible. I’m astonished that he is coming out without serving his full sentence.” Many residents and community leaders feel betrayed by Tweed’s actions, especially given his previous support for local causes and his role in community development.

Local politician Mike Bridgeman voiced his horror at the situation, describing himself as “sickened” by Tweed’s crimes. Community activist Susan Heron also shared her shock, criticizing what she perceives as a lenient sentence and expressing fears about Tweed’s future in Edinburgh. The community’s trust has been deeply shaken, and questions are being raised about how someone with such a criminal background could have risen to prominence within local organizations.

In summary, the case of Terry Tweed highlights a disturbing breach of trust by a once-respected community figure. His criminal actions involving child abuse images have left a lasting impact on the community of Craigmillar, Edinburgh, raising serious concerns about safeguarding and the effectiveness of community oversight. As Tweed prepares to reintegrate into society, the community remains divided and vigilant, demanding strict measures to prevent any further harm.