ANTHONY COVEYDUCK CAUGHT WITH CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGES IN REDRUTH SHOP REPAIR

In September 2016, a disturbing case unfolded involving Anthony Roy Coveyduck, a man with a troubling history linked to child exploitation. The incident came to light after Coveyduck, a former businessman involved in the mining industry, took his laptop to a local repair shop in Redruth for servicing. Unbeknownst to him, this act would lead to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

During the repair process, staff at the shop discovered illegal content stored on Coveyduck’s device. The images found included indecent photographs of children as young as eight years old, which prompted immediate action. The shop staff contacted law enforcement authorities, who promptly seized the laptop for further examination. A detailed forensic analysis revealed the presence of two indecent images of minors and an additional file containing prohibited material, all of which are classified under child exploitation laws.

Anthony Coveyduck, aged 64 and residing at Forth Noweth in Redruth, was subsequently taken into custody. When questioned by police, he claimed he did not remember the specific images on his device. He also stated that he was unaware that cartoon or animated images could be illegal, asserting that he had not intentionally viewed or distributed such content. Coveyduck insisted that he must have inadvertently downloaded the images when they appeared on his computer, emphasizing that he had no particular interest in children. Furthermore, he admitted to regularly searching for and viewing adult pornography on a weekly basis, citing curiosity as his motivation.

It was also revealed that Coveyduck had a prior conviction in 2007, when he received a police caution for possession of an indecent photograph of a child. His criminal record and history of inappropriate behavior added weight to the case against him.

During the court hearing at Truro Magistrates' Court, Alison May, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, clarified that the charges against Coveyduck involved him permitting the images to be stored on his device, not necessarily taking or distributing them. The charges covered the period between 2013 and 2015. Coveyduck pleaded guilty to both counts: allowing indecent images of children to be taken and possessing a prohibited image.

His solicitor, Mark Charnley, described Coveyduck as a single, divorced man who was reliant on benefits. Charnley emphasized that Coveyduck was not involved in any groups or networks related to the images. The solicitor also provided context about Coveyduck’s life, noting that his career as a mining and drilling contractor had ended following a serious workplace accident and the economic downturn. He also highlighted Coveyduck’s struggles with depression and the loss of his marriage.

In sentencing, the court imposed a one-year community order, which includes participation in an internet sex offender treatment program. Additionally, Coveyduck was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to register as a sex offender. These measures aim to monitor and prevent any future offending behavior, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the need for ongoing supervision.