March 2003 Naturism fan ‘curious to view nude children’ A MAN caught with pictures of naked children on computer equipment at his home had developed an interest in naturism and viewed the images out of curiosity Andrew Dalzell, 26, was found to be in possession of 220 indecent images when he was arrested in connection with Operation Ore, a worldwide investigation into internet child abuse. Two other men from West Yorkshire also appeared before Dewsbury Magistrates and were committed to Leeds Crown Court for sentencing. Magistrates were told that police searched Dalzell’s home early on the morning of December 2 last year, and seized a computer tower, a computer hard drive, 59 compact discs and 11 floppy discs. The equipment was analysed and the images were found. Some pictures showed boys and girls, aged between about four and 14, posing on beaches and what appeared to be holiday locations, and in one case possibly a nudist camp, said Zafar Siddique, prosecuting. Yesterday Dalzell, of Regina Crescent, Havercroft, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to 14 charges of possessing indecent images of children and was fined 600. Magistrate Nan Chadwick also ordered him to pay 40 costs and sign the sex offenders’ register for five years. The court heard how Dalzell, a man of previous good character, had worked for the same company since leaving school nine years ago, and had risen to a managerial post. His work did not bring him into contact with children. “It was a case of curiosity on Mr Dalzell’s part. He had become interested in the naturist scene and viewed items on his computer and downloaded images,” said his solicitor, Mark Mangano. When Dalzell became aware that what he was doing was illegal he took steps to remove the images, despite the fact they could still be traced by experts. The nature of material found was classed as being level one – the lowest of five levels. Mr Mangano added: “In interview Mr Dalzell expressed remorse. He knows that because of his acts this will have brought shame to himself, and to his fiancee whom he lives with at his grandfather’s house.” Dalzell agreed to pay the fine and costs in full with his credit card yesterday. The equipment seized by police was ordered to be destroyed. Two other men also appeared before Dewsbury magistrates yesterday charged in connection with Operation Ore. Both pleaded guilty and were committed to Leeds Crown Court for sentencing at a date to be fixed. Craig Wilmore, 27, of Wallingford Mount, Allerton, Bradford, admitted 20 charges of possessing indecent images of children. The 20 counts brought against Wilmore were representative of the 575 pornographic images found by police on computer equipment at his home. They relate to 10 pictures of material classed as being level three, and 10 movie clips, at levels four and five. Wilmore’s name was on a list passed to West Yorkshire Police of people who had used credit cards to access child pornography from an American website, the court heard. David Green, 45, of Beech Grove, Kingsley, Pontefract, admitted 20 offences of possessing indecent images of children. Police raided his home on December 2 last year and seized computer equipment. When it was analysed, 580 pornographic images involving children were found. The charges related to levels three, four and five, and involve babies and children aged from three to about 10. Green has a previous conviction for indecent exposure, magistrates were told. Mrs Chadwick told both men that the offences they had admitted were so serious they should receive greater sentences than magistrates had the power to impose.