Christopher Wratten

Christopher Wratten, a 59-year-old former police inspector from Cullen in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has been sentenced to prison for the second time for possessing child pornography. Originally from Hastings in England, Wratten relocated to Scotland following the loss of his job due to his initial conviction a decade ago. This recent case, heard at Peterhead Sheriff Court, underscores a pattern of illegal behaviour involving indecent images of children.

Wratten admitted to the charges of possessing child pornography, leading to his imprisonment. The court proceedings revealed that this was not his first offence; ten years prior, in 2003, he had been jailed for six months for comparable crimes. Sheriff Gregor Murray, presiding over the case, described the situation as a 'tragic' one, noting Wratten's intelligence and the profound loss of social standing he had suffered in both England and Scotland as a result of his actions. The sheriff imposed a six-year extended sentence, of which Wratten is required to serve 12 months in custody.

During the hearing, defence lawyer Stuart Beveridge addressed the court, explaining that Wratten had initially been in denial about his problem when his crimes first came to light ten years ago. However, Beveridge stated that his client now fully accepts that he has an ongoing issue with this behaviour. The case was processed through the Scottish Courts system, with no further details on the exact nature or quantity of the material provided in public reports.

This sentencing reflects the judiciary's firm stance on child sexual exploitation offences, particularly for individuals in positions of former authority like Wratten. The BBC reported on the case, highlighting the repeated nature of the offences and the personal downfall involved. Sources close to the proceedings emphasise the importance of rehabilitation, though the extended sentence indicates ongoing supervision post-release.