A man who sexually abused three young boys in the north-east was serving as a police officer at the time of the crimes.
Ian Jolly admitted charges of abuse and indecent assault when he appeared in court earlier this week and is now facing a prison sentence for the offences.
During his appearance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, it emerged that he had worked as a football coach in the early 1990s.
But now the Press and Journal can reveal that the 70-year-old was also employed by Grampian Police at the time of the abuse which ran from 1987 until 1998.
The police officer targeted his first victim over a three year period from 1987 onwards at addresses in south and west Aberdeenshire.
He pulled down his trousers and touched him inappropriately.
He also showed him pornographic material, and carried out a sex act while urging him to repeat it.
Jolly targeted another two boys in the 1990s.
The pensioner, who now lives on Minty Street in Edinburgh, also indecently assaulted an older teen by putting his head on his thigh and touching his body at an address in west Aberdeenshire between 1995 and 1998.
He was released on bail from for the preparation of reports on Tuesday but was warned by Sheriff William Summers to expect a custodial sentence.
Last night detective inspector Mark Lambley, of the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, urged victims of abuse to contact officers.
He said: “Police Scotland is committed to thoroughly investigating all reports of child abuse regardless of where or when this occurred and regardless of who was involved.
“If you have suffered abuse or you know someone who may have been a victim of abuse regardless of where or when it happened please call Police Scotland on 101, attend at your local police station or if you do not feel ready or able to speak to police but want to pass on information you can phone Crimestoppers anonymously.”
