Ex-policeman's child porn guilt

McArthur admitted having the images

A former policeman has admitted having a huge collection of internet child pornography while still a serving officer.

Alexander McArthur, 30, who was a constable with Grampian Police, had originally pleaded not guilty to the charge but changed his plea at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

McArthur was caught with more than 5,000 indecent images of children by police working on the nationwide Operation Ore offensive against internet child pornography.

Sentence was deferred for reports and McArthur was released on bail until 16 October and informed that he would be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register.

Officers in Texas raided a property and seized equipment which held substantial lists of names and addresses of clients who had used this service and the name featured in that list Henry Thorburn Grampian Police

Sheriff Alexander Jessop told McArthur: "I am going to defer sentence on you for social inquiry and community service reports so that I can consider carefully all relevant disposals.

"You have pled guilty to an offence to which by its very nature the Sex Offenders' Register applies."

The ex-officer, who had worked in the Grampian Police headquarters control room, changed his plea after an attempt to have search evidence ruled inadmissible was dismissed.

He admitted making 148 indecent video images of children and 5,613 indecent photos of children at his home in King Street, Aberdeen, or at other places between 27 April, 2000 and 5 August, 2002.

Chief Inspector Henry Thorburn of Grampian Police said he was given details of McArthur during Operation Ore.

McArthur's details came to light after a raid on business called Landslide in America.

Chief Inspector Thorburn, 49, said: "The initial information came from the United States of America.

Police in the US found McArthur's details

"Officers in Texas raided a property and seized equipment which held substantial lists of names and addresses of clients who had used this service and the name featured in that list."

A search warrant was then requested for McArthur's home.

The legality of the search resulted in two days of legal debate outwith the presence of the jury.

McArthur's defence argued that the address on the warrant had been wrong and he was "tricked" into giving permission for it.

Fiscal depute Claire Wilkinson said evidence from the search was crucial to the case and there was nothing to indicate improper procedures.

'Custodial sentence'

Sheriff Jessop said: "His consent to the search was freely given without any threat of enforcing a warrant.

"And I am satisfied that the premises in the search warrant were sufficiently identified.

"I hold the evidence is admissible. I repel the objection."

After consulting with his client, defence advocate Shahid Latif said: "As a result of the trial within a trial and as a result of certain advice that has been given to Mr McArthur, his instructions are to plead guilty."

Sheriff Jessop, said he would have to view the pictures and told the court: "I have no great desire to do it but I understand it's one of the factors the judge is supposed to take into account.

"Obviously it's a case where a custodial sentence must be in contemplation."