Mechanic Ordered to Carry Out Unpaid Work for Child Pornography Possession

A 35-year-old mechanic from Sandwick, Erik Stove, has been sentenced to 220 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to possessing and taking indecent photographs and videos of children.

Stove, of Setter, admitted to possessing three still images and 11 videos on his mobile phone, several of which were categorized as the most serious, category A.

The offenses occurred between August 23, 2014, and March 8, 2022.

During the sentencing at Lerwick Sheriff Court, Stove's defense agent, Gregor Kelly, presented a social work report highlighting Stove's remorse and his wife's continued support.

Kelly stated that Stove had been "genuinely remorseful and ashamed" of his actions and had been "relieved to have been caught" as it forced him to address his pornography addiction.

He explained that Stove had initially received two videos in 2014 and, during the COVID-19 lockdown, his "idle hands precipitated a spectacular further fall from grace."

Kelly emphasized that Stove had taken steps to overcome his addiction and was well-regarded by his peers.

Sheriff Cruickshank acknowledged the unusual nature of the case, noting the lengthy period of offending but the limited number of images involved.

Stove was given an 18-month community payback order under supervision, during which time he will also be subject to notification requirements under sexual offenses legislation.