A jury will retire today in the case of a former company managing director accused of possessing indecent images of young boys.
Final defence submissions are due to be delivered at Forfar Sheriff Court by advocate Drew McKenzie, counsel for Alasdair Chalmers, following five days of evidence relating to indecent material found on computers and mobile phones seized from the 60-year-old’s Angus home last January.
Chalmers, of West Steading, Mains of Gagie, Kellas, denies an indictment alleging that between March 20 2005 and April 26 2011, at his home address and elsewhere, he took or permitted to be taken or made indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children.
He is also charged with possessing indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children between March 20 2005 and January 31 2014.
The trial has heard evidence of the recovery of 900 images of boys aged eight to 15 from computer equipment or mobile phones.
Jurors have also been told of internet searches relating to a banned Canadian website offering films of young boys and a Russian-based site that also featured indecent material.
In the closing stages of evidence on Tuesday, Anne Bay, the accused’s former assistant, told the trial Chalmers was not security conscious when it came to computers and would share his password with others.
Chalmers, a former company director with DP&L Group, said he had no knowledge of where the images originated from and no recollection of the named application or acquiring it.
The businessman was also questioned about an application for enhanced disclosure made in 2006.
He said that related to being a lay member of the board of Dundee College where he held the position of audit convener and subsequently finance convener.
Chalmers was also asked in interview if he was attracted to young males.
“I would say I am not,” he replied.
The trial, before Sheriff Simon Collins, continues.