WILLIAM LEVY FROM TRANENT JAILED FOR CHILD AND ANIMAL ABUSE IMAGES IN EDINBURGH

In April 2015, William Levy, a 50-year-old resident of Tranent, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of possessing a vast collection of illegal and highly disturbing images and videos. Levy was discovered with more than 9,000 files that included deeply distressing and disturbing content involving child sexual abuse and bestiality. The authorities uncovered this material following a tip-off that led to a detailed investigation by police.

During the court proceedings at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Levy had been involved in the creation, possession, and distribution of indecent photographs of children over a period spanning from October 31, 2012, to March 25, 2014. In addition to these charges, Levy admitted to possessing explicit images depicting bestiality, which he had accumulated between March 28, 2011, and March 25, 2014. The evidence presented included 8,391 photographs ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, indicating varying degrees of severity, along with 392 videos also classified from Level 1 to Level 5.

Levy’s actions drew significant concern from the court, especially given the nature of the content involved. The prosecution highlighted the severity of the case, emphasizing that the images were not only numerous but also deeply distressing and upsetting. The police investigation was initiated after intelligence suggested Levy’s involvement in the possession of such material.

Levy, a father of four, was represented by defense lawyer Gillian Taylor, who informed the court that Levy was supported by his family. She presented letters from Levy’s partner and children, describing him as a highly regarded family man and expressing their support despite his criminal conduct. Ms. Taylor also noted that Levy was unable to fully explain his motivations, describing much of his behavior as a blur, which added a layer of complexity to his case.

In sentencing, Sheriff Michael O’Grady QC underscored the gravity of Levy’s offenses. He stated, “I cannot fail to regard this as anything other than serious. There are a huge number of images involved in these charges and many of them are deeply distressing, deeply disturbing and deeply upsetting.” The sheriff further remarked on the importance of individuals like Levy in the illegal market for such images, implying that their actions contribute to the suffering of children and the perpetuation of abuse.

Earlier in February 2015, Levy had already admitted to possessing sexual images of children and animals, which further compounded his case. During that hearing, Levy pleaded guilty to charges related to the possession of indecent images of children and extreme pornography involving bestiality, which he had stored at his home in Tranent, East Lothian, over a period of approximately three years. A third charge concerning additional indecent photographs was accepted as not guilty by the Crown.

At that time, Sheriff Michael O’Grady QC ordered Levy to be placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years and deferred sentencing to a later date, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring.