YEOMAN SMITH CAUGHT IN MID CALDER AND SHETLAND WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In May 2013, Yeoman Smith, a man with a troubling history related to child abuse images, was once again at the center of a serious criminal investigation. Smith, who had previously served time for possessing an enormous collection of child pornography, was found with over 30,000 additional indecent images just four months after his early release from prison. The police, acting on a tip-off, conducted a search at his residence in Mid Calder, where they uncovered evidence of his continued involvement with illegal material.

Smith, a 43-year-old self-employed information technology consultant, had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and permitting the taking of indecent photographs of children. The incidents in question occurred between August 13 and September 5 of the previous year. During the police investigation, two personal computers were seized from his home, revealing a total of 30,299 images. Although many of these images had been deleted, forensic analysis by computer experts confirmed that 2,820 images remained on Smith’s devices. Additionally, authorities discovered 120 moving images, with 65 still accessible for viewing.

Most of the images were classified as level one, indicating the least serious category of indecency. However, the police also found 457 images at level four, which is considered more severe, along with 42 video files. The investigation highlighted Smith’s ongoing problematic behavior, especially considering he had previously been sentenced to 25 months in prison for possessing a staggering 581,649 still images and 1,884 moving images of child pornography. He was released from incarceration in April of the previous year after serving half of his sentence.

During the court proceedings at Livingston Sheriff Court, Deputy Fiscal Lindsay Armstrong explained that police had obtained a search warrant on September 5, 2012. Officers attended Smith’s residence and questioned him about the presence of computers and indecent images. Smith admitted that he had such material on his computers, which were subsequently seized. He was detained for questioning, and the evidence collected confirmed his possession of illegal images.

Smith’s legal representative emphasized that during his time in prison, her client had been a “model prisoner” and had fully cooperated with the sexual offenders’ program. She stated that he accepted full responsibility for his actions and indicated that there was potential for further rehabilitation under supervision. Despite this, Sheriff Susan Craig sentenced Smith to 18 months in prison. The court also ordered that Smith serve the remaining unexpired portion of his previous sentence, which would be added to the new term.

In her remarks, Sheriff Craig expressed concern over Smith’s behavior, noting that he had planned his actions. She pointed out that Smith had purchased a new computer shortly after his release, despite knowing he should not have done so. The sheriff highlighted the high risk of re-offending, citing the volume of material as indicative of compulsive behavior. The case underscores the ongoing danger posed by individuals like Smith, who continue to engage in illegal activities related to child exploitation even after serving time.

Earlier in March 2013, Smith was again incarcerated for similar offenses. He had been released early from a previous jail sentence after being arrested in Shetland for accumulating a large collection of child pornography. Despite conditions attached to his release, which prohibited him from accessing the internet without supervision, Smith blatantly violated these restrictions by obtaining new computer equipment and downloading more indecent images.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Uist ordered Smith to serve an additional 15 months in prison. The judge emphasized that Smith had clearly broken the conditions of his supervised release and deserved to be returned to custody. Defense solicitor advocate Sandra Walker explained that Smith viewed his desire to view child pornography as an addiction, which he was struggling to control. Smith, who was 37 at the time, had previously been jailed for 25 months in 2011 and placed under a three-year supervision order after a friend discovered child pornography at his flat in Livingstone Place, Edinburgh.

The investigation into Smith’s activities was triggered when a neighbor in Shetland raised concerns about a possible water leak from his flat. When a friend went to turn off the water, he discovered images depicting children performing sexual acts with adult males. This led to police involvement and ultimately to Smith’s arrest. After his release in April of the previous year, Smith moved to Mid Calder in West Lothian to stay with relatives. However, by August, he was again involved in illegal activities related to child pornography, prompting further legal action and sentencing at Livingston.