In January 2026, the Offender Database reported that Rupert Waites, then 49, was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after being caught with hundreds of child abuse images. Waites, a high-profile chef and co-founder of the award-winning spirits firm Buck & Birch, avoided a prison sentence in favour of a community-based disposal aimed at “rehabilitation.”
The court heard that police raided Waites’ former home in Musselburgh, East Lothian, in August 2024. Forensic analysis of his mobile phone uncovered 454 still images depicting the sexual abuse of children aged between four and 14 years old. Waites pleaded guilty to possessing and making (downloading) these indecent images over a three-year period between October 2021 and August 2025. Following his initial court appearance, his business partner at the Macmerry-based firm Buck & Birch expressed “deep disturbance” at the news and immediately terminated Waites’ role as director, master distiller, and production director.
During the sentencing on January 8, 2026, the court was informed that Waites had been forced to relocate from his family home due to the nature of his crimes. Despite the volume of the material and the ages of the victims involved, Sheriff Christopher Dickson opted against a custodial sentence. Instead, Waites was placed on an 18-month social work supervision order and was required to complete 225 hours of unpaid community service.
As a result of his conviction, Rupert Waites has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 18 months. His name has also been forwarded to Scottish Ministers for mandatory inclusion on the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) barred list, legally prohibiting him from working with children or protected adults for life.
Waites is also subject to a strict conduct requirement that bans him from any unauthorised contact with children under the age of 17. He remains under the management of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in the East Lothian and Edinburgh area, which includes rigorous internet restrictions and monitoring of his digital devices to ensure he no longer accesses illicit material.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.