A man is alleged to have downloaded and shared images of children being sexually abused from an address in Ardrossan.

Simon Willoughby appeared in court facing four charges of downloading, possessing and sharing indecent images of children, as well as an image of extreme pornography, at an address in Ardrossan.

The 60-year-old, of Abbeygate, Kilwinning, is alleged to have possessed indecent pictures or pseudo pictures of children on various occasions from July 3, 2020 and March 16, 2022.

Mr Willoughby faces a second charge of distributing the images from June 15, 2021, to September 1, 2021, and allegedly taking, permitting to be taken or making the indecent images from July 3, 2020 to July 8, 2021. 

He faces a fourth charge of possessing an image depicting bestiality between November 23, 2021, and March 16, 2022.

When he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last Thursday [August 24] defence solicitor Brian Holliman said the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, which had been reduced from solemn to summary - meaning any trial will be heard before a judge rather than jury.

Bail was granted by Sheriff Sheena Fraser under special conditions restricting internet access and any contact with children.

He will return to court to face the allegations at a later date.