A paedophile who carried out a string of sexual attacks on children told police they had “enjoyed” it, a court has heard.
Michael Taylor, from Aberdeen, was found to have video footage of himself carrying out sex acts on two victims on his phone.
When questioned by police, the 71-year-old said he had become “over friendly” with two of his five victims and that it had turned sexual.
Advocate depute Leanne Cross said: “He said that he was very sorry for the children and was ashamed but then when asked for further details said that he never forced them and that, if anything, they liked it.”
“He acknowledged that this was no excuse but reiterated that he did not force them and that they ‘enjoyed’ it.”
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that in August last year one young boy was being put to bed by his father when he revealed that he thought Taylor was a paedophile. He then disclosed that he had put his hands under his clothing.
He said Taylor had told him not to tell his parents and that he had given him money for sweets on a previous occasion.
Taylor was arrested and police later searched his home in Garthdee Terrace and recovered a number of devices.
An initial examination found pictures of children on a mobile phone and indecent images of youngsters’ private parts.
He pleaded guilty to five sexual assaults of children, aged between six and 11, including a rape last year.
He also admitted that he had taken or made indecent photos of children on various occasions between March and September last year.
The court heard that pictures of girls and boys estimated to be between six and 12 taking part in sexual activity and erotic posing were found on phones.
It was discovered he had made searches for boys in skirts, boys in dresses and gay young boys.
Sentence has been deferred for background reports, and Taylor was put on the sex offenders’ register in the meantime.
