Colin Murray jailed for child abuse images

A Perth man has been jailed for a year after police discovered more than 550 videos and images of children being abused, during a raid at his home.

The images found at Colin Murray's house showed children aged about three to 14 years old involved in sex acts with adults and animals.

When questioned by police he admitted paying hundreds of dollars to an American website for the collection.

Murray, 55, served as a Tayside Police officer more than 20 years ago.

'Evil trade'

At Perth Sheriff Court, Murray admitted possessing indecent videos and images at his home in Goodlyburn Terrace, Perth, between 29 March 2005 and 15 November last year.

He will be monitored for a further two years after he is released from prison and he has been place on the sex offenders register for ten years.

Sheriff McCreadie told Murray: "People who engage in the business of child pornography through viewing such images contribute to the process of abuse and can be said to encourage the production of images.

"They provide the market for an evil trade. You do not acknowledge the sexual nature of your offending."

In 1986, Murray was convicted at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on two charges of breach of the peace and one of indecent exposure.

BBC News