ANDREW TATAM FROM SPALDING JAILED FOR UK'S LARGEST CHILD PORN COLLECTION
| Red Rose Database
Spalding Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community and drawn national attention, Andrew Tatam, a 34-year-old accounts clerk from Moulton near Spalding in Lincolnshire, has been sentenced to five years in prison for possessing what is believed to be the largest known collection of child pornography in the United Kingdom. The conviction follows a detailed investigation into Tatam's extensive digital archive, which included nearly 500,000 indecent images of children, along with over 10,000 video clips depicting abuse, some with accompanying soundtracks.
Judge Michael Heath presided over the case at Lincoln Crown Court, where he described Tatam's collection as being amassed with the enthusiasm of a 'train spotter,' emphasizing the disturbing nature of the material. The judge labeled the images as 'vile,' highlighting the severity of the offense and the grotesque content involved.
Detective Superintendent John Ginty of Lincolnshire Police provided further insight into the scale of the investigation, stating, 'We'd never seen another case like this here in Lincolnshire, nor had our colleagues around the country.' He explained that the police uncovered the vast archive after discovering Tatam's credit card details on a United States-based website, which prompted a raid on his residence. During the police search, Tatam was quick to admit to possessing the illicit material and also confessed to an attempted sexual act involving a dog, adding a disturbing dimension to the case.
Prosecutor John Kirk detailed the findings, emphasizing the shocking nature of the evidence. The police's efforts culminated in a thorough investigation that lasted 18 months, a process praised by Judge Heath, who commended the officers for their professionalism and resilience in viewing the disturbing content. The judge remarked that witnessing such material must have been a harrowing experience for those involved.
Defense lawyer Alexander Milne argued that Tatam was not a pedophile and denied any sexual interest in children, asserting that his client posed no threat to those around him. However, the court's decision was clear, and Tatam was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was disqualified from working with children for the rest of his life. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Spalding and underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and abuse.
Judge Michael Heath presided over the case at Lincoln Crown Court, where he described Tatam's collection as being amassed with the enthusiasm of a 'train spotter,' emphasizing the disturbing nature of the material. The judge labeled the images as 'vile,' highlighting the severity of the offense and the grotesque content involved.
Detective Superintendent John Ginty of Lincolnshire Police provided further insight into the scale of the investigation, stating, 'We'd never seen another case like this here in Lincolnshire, nor had our colleagues around the country.' He explained that the police uncovered the vast archive after discovering Tatam's credit card details on a United States-based website, which prompted a raid on his residence. During the police search, Tatam was quick to admit to possessing the illicit material and also confessed to an attempted sexual act involving a dog, adding a disturbing dimension to the case.
Prosecutor John Kirk detailed the findings, emphasizing the shocking nature of the evidence. The police's efforts culminated in a thorough investigation that lasted 18 months, a process praised by Judge Heath, who commended the officers for their professionalism and resilience in viewing the disturbing content. The judge remarked that witnessing such material must have been a harrowing experience for those involved.
Defense lawyer Alexander Milne argued that Tatam was not a pedophile and denied any sexual interest in children, asserting that his client posed no threat to those around him. However, the court's decision was clear, and Tatam was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was disqualified from working with children for the rest of his life. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Spalding and underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and abuse.