Former Dunfermline footballer Ian Heddle sexually abused a girl

Ian Heddle, 61, who played for the club from 1983 to 1987 and is from the city, was detained at Edinburgh Airport in February 2023 as he attempted to return to the Far East.

Many of his electronic devices were confiscated and police discovered more than 270,000 indecent photos and videos of children.

Officers found three clips showing him abusing a child believed to be around eight years old in 2019 while she was sleeping at an address in Chonburi, Thailand.

His “chubby” fingers and his wedding ring were caught on camera.

Heddle was a midfielder who made 41 appearances for Dunfermline, as well as playing for St. Johnstone, Forfar Athletic and Brechin City in the 1980s and 1990s.

But now he is behind bars after pleading guilty to sexually abusing the girl while a British citizen in Thailand between September 26 and October 12, 2019.

First-time offender Heddle also admitted two charges of making indecent images and will be sentenced next month.

The former football player had lived in Thailand while working as a crane operator for an offshore company.

The High Court in Glasgow considered the extent to which Heddle was associated with viewing and uploading child abuse material on the Internet.

This is said to have happened on an estate in Scotland where he was staying during a visit from Thailand.

Heddle was not present when police called, but officers were informed that he would be catching a flight at Edinburgh Airport on February 19, 2023.

He was arrested and several devices – including an iPhone 12, a laptop and a hard drive – were taken away for examination.

Prosecutor Tracey Brown told the court: “He was interviewed and acquitted. He admitted possessing indecent images of children.”

“He stated that there were thousands of pictures and videos on his hard drive and that they were categorized in folders.”

According to Ms Brown, there were a total of 272,936 photos and 4,001 clips.

He initially appeared in court in this connection, was released on bail, his passport was confiscated and he was ordered to remain in Scotland.

According to Miss Brown, further checks of the phone revealed “contact crimes” between Heddle and an unknown young woman.

The abuse committed by Heddle was filmed and described at the trial.

The court was told that “facial features” could not be identified.

Miss Brown added: “However, his hands were relatively chubby, there was hair on his fingers and he wore a conspicuous wedding ring.”

Heddle was tracked down by police in Dunfermline in September 2023, where he had been working as a street cleaner.

Miss Brown said: “During an interview he confirmed that it was the person in the images and videos who committed the sexual abuse of the child.”

According to court documents, Heddle’s last address was Lochgelly.

His Crown attorney Brian McConnachie said Heddle had “cooperated” with police “from the outset,” wanted a resolution to the legal case and said there was “no way there would be a trial,” come what may.

He had been released on bail, but Judge John McCormick told him: “Your status has now changed and you will be remanded in custody.”

Heddle was also placed on the sex offender list.

Detective Inspector Adrian Ure, of the National Child Abuse Investigations Unit, said: “We understand how distressing this has been for the girl and her family. We hope that the fact that he has now pleaded guilty will at least provide them with some comfort.”

“Police Scotland are committed to protecting children and were able to prosecute Heddle under legislation that protects children anywhere in the world from sexual abuse by British nationals.

“We will continue to relentlessly pursue and proactively investigate those who commit these heinous crimes.

“I also want to reassure our communities that we will investigate all reports of sexual abuse. We will listen to you and support you.”

“I urge anyone who has been a victim of a crime of this nature to call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”