COLIN ARMSTRONG PLYMOUTH LAW STUDENT CAUGHT IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY RING

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, a young man identified as Colin Armstrong, a student at the University of Plymouth studying law, was found to be involved in a serious child abuse images ring. The investigation, which originated from Canadian police efforts targeting a child pornography network, ultimately led authorities in the United Kingdom to Armstrong's residence in the Keyham area of Plymouth.

On April 30, 2008, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Armstrong's home on Warleigh Avenue in Keyham. During the raid, they confiscated multiple electronic devices, including two laptops and a desktop computer. The forensic analysis of these devices revealed an alarming collection of nearly 10,000 indecent images depicting young boys in various states of abuse. Specifically, one laptop alone contained approximately 9,131 images, with the images categorized into different severity levels, ranging from the most serious (level 5) to the least (level 1). Among these, 589 images were classified as level 5, indicating the most severe form of abuse, while others fell into levels 4, 3, 2, and 1, with a total of 3,188 images in the least serious category. Additionally, investigators uncovered 275 video files spanning levels 1 through 5.

Further examination revealed extensive internet activity, including messaging and email exchanges. Evidence suggested that Armstrong was actively receiving and downloading child pornography via email, with the material being exchanged over a period of approximately seven months, starting from October 2007. Armstrong admitted to police that he began viewing such images at the age of 16 after joining a social networking site. Despite living at home with his parents and expressing an intention to cease viewing the images, he admitted to being unable to stop.

During the court proceedings, David Gittins, the prosecutor, detailed how Canadian authorities had initially arrested a suspect whose emails led British police to Armstrong. The police investigation uncovered that Armstrong had engaged in the creation and distribution of indecent images, leading to multiple charges. Armstrong, now 20 years old, pleaded guilty to 20 counts of making indecent images of children and four counts of distributing such material. He appeared in Plymouth Crown Court, dressed in a brown hooded top, with his head bowed as the charges were read.

Representing Armstrong, defense lawyer Kelly Scrivener described her client as a vulnerable young man suffering from mental health issues. She argued that he was a victim of exploitation himself, having been preyed upon through social networking sites as a minor. Scrivener emphasized that Armstrong was seeking treatment and that he could respond positively to community-based support.

Judge Francis Gilbert QC addressed the court, condemning the seriousness of the offenses. He stated, “These images involve the serious sexual abuse of children. These are serious offenses which must attract a prison sentence. But you were only 17 when this began, and were corrupted when you came upon these images.”

In light of these considerations, the judge sentenced Armstrong to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, with an additional two years of supervision by the Probation Service. He was also ordered to participate in a sexual offending treatment program, to register as a sex offender for ten years, and to comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. The court also confiscated his computers as part of the sentence.

Outside the courtroom, Armstrong’s father expressed his support, stating, “My son is a victim.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the University of Plymouth confirmed that Armstrong had not been permitted on campus since his arrest. The university indicated that, in accordance with the court’s verdict, it would now take appropriate internal actions to address the situation, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of its staff and students.