A Perth paedophile who was caught with obscene child abuse images has been told to take responsibility for the physical and psychological pain of the young victims.
Detectives recovered the illicit files – including some at the most graphic level – on devices at George Cruickshanks’ home in Fortingall Place.
The 65-year-old had been downloading and viewing the pictures over a four-and-a-half year period between August 2016 and March 2021.
Perth Sheriff Court heard he shared a single indecent photo of a child in October 2020.
Cruickshanks, now of Bute Place, Glenrothes, appeared in the dock and pled guilty to having the “comparatively low” number of files and distributing one of them.
He avoided jail but was told to take responsibility for his perverted actions.
‘Pain, discomfort and fear’
Sheriff William Wood told him: “In any case of this type, the court has to bear in mind that the viewing, downloading and distributing of indecent images of children is part of the process of child sexual abuse.
“Each photograph represents the serious abuse of the child.
“And those who access these images through the internet must bear responsibility for that abuse by creating a demand for the material.
“These offences can properly be said to contribute to the physical and psychological pain, discomfort and fear suffered by the children by those who get a perverted pleasure from looking at the material.”
He said: “There are people who feel that offending such as yours should automatically attract a prison sentence.
“But what the court has to consider is the benefits of a degree of retribution by sending you to prison – or whether it would be more appropriate for you to remain in the community and have the opportunity to engage in a much wider scale rehabilitation, with the aim of avoiding any reconviction or re-engagement.”
The sheriff added: “The number of images here, in comparative terms, is relatively small.
“But they are vile and abhorrent.
“I am prepared to deal with this matter by way of a community-based disposal, albeit with a degree of hesitation.
“In the event of any kind of breach, custody awaits.”
Cruickshanks was placed on supervision for three years and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
He was put on the Sex Offenders Register for three years.
Strict restrictions will be put on his computer and phone access and he will have to tell supervisors if he starts any new relationships.
He must also stay away from parks and playgrounds.
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