CHRISTOPHER DODD FROM LICHFIELD CAUGHT WITH 10,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES ONLINE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Lichfield, a local man named Christopher Dodd has been found to possess an extensive collection of indecent images and videos depicting children being abused. The authorities uncovered this disturbing hoard during a police raid on his residence on February 14 of the previous year, following intelligence gathered about his internet activity.

Officers seized two computers from Dodd’s home on Upper St John Street, where they discovered a vast digital library containing over 10,000 vile and illegal files. These included photographs and movies that depicted children as young as two years old being subjected to sexual assault, as well as images of young victims aged ten or twelve being restrained and subjected to horrific abuse. The sheer volume and graphic nature of the material have caused widespread concern and outrage.

Prosecutor Mr. Nick Burn explained that all the files found on Dodd’s devices were 'live' files, meaning they could be accessed and viewed by the defendant himself. Additionally, the material had been uploaded onto a file-sharing website, allowing others with malicious intent to access and download the content. Dodd used the online alias 'Lichlad' to both download these images and to receive requests from other users seeking to view his files, effectively creating a 'sharing' folder that served as a digital library accessible to others.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Dodd, aged 32, resided on Upper St John Street in Lichfield. He pleaded guilty to ten charges of possessing indecent images of children for the purpose of showing them to others, as well as two charges of simple possession. In response, the judge sentenced him to a three-year community order, which includes participation in a sex offender treatment program. Furthermore, Dodd was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community work and was subjected to restrictions on his internet use through a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Recorder Mr. Simon Draycott QC emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, 'If you had any previous convictions, I would have no hesitation in sending you immediately to custody.' The evidence presented detailed the extent of Dodd’s 'library,' which comprised at least 8,625 photographs and 33 movies at the lowest level of severity, with additional files at higher levels of depravity. Specifically, there were 1,199 photos and 79 movies at level two; 749 photos and 23 movies at level three; 1,482 photos and 117 movies at level four; and 152 photos along with 10 movies classified as the most serious level five. On a separate laptop, authorities also found 97 images at level one and 62 at level two.

Mr. Burn described the level five material as 'a very graphic and unpleasant set of photos and moving images,' which was used by Dodd and made available to others with similar intent. The graphic nature of this content underscores the severity of his actions and the danger posed to vulnerable children.

In his defense, Mr. Tim Pole stated that following Dodd’s arrest in August of the previous year, the defendant had been fully cooperative with police investigations. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation and protect innocent victims from such heinous crimes.