COLIN WHITLOCK FROM BRACKLEY CAUGHT WITH OVER 800 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

In August 2017, a serious case involving a Northamptonshire man brought to light disturbing details of online abuse and illegal content. Colin Whitlock, aged 58 and residing in Helmdon, Brackley, appeared before Northampton Crown Court to face charges related to possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

According to court records, Whitlock was found to have accumulated a collection of over 800 such images on his personal devices, including his phone, laptop, and two USB sticks. The images included both still photographs and videos, with nearly 200 files classified as 'category A,' the most severe classification for child exploitation material. These images depicted real children being subjected to abuse, a fact emphasized by the presiding judge during sentencing.

His Honour Judge Timothy Smith addressed the court, stating, "The images that you were viewing were images of real children, young children, being abused against their will. That is what you were viewing." This statement underscored the gravity of the offense and the disturbing nature of the content involved.

The police investigation began in July 2016 when authorities executed a search warrant at Whitlock’s residence. During the search, officers discovered hundreds of indecent images stored across his electronic devices. It was revealed that Whitlock had been actively downloading and sharing these images over an 18-month period, right up until the night before the police intervention. He was described as being 'fully co-operative' with law enforcement officials during the investigation.

Further details emerged that Whitlock had shared 13 images from his collection via email with others, indicating an element of distribution beyond mere possession. The court heard that his actions were driven by a desire for sexual gratification, with Judge Fowler condemning the behavior in strong terms. The judge remarked, "There is no excuse. It may give the impression that it was distant and they were just harmless photographs. How anyone can categorise them as harmless is beyond belief. You were dredging the darkest corners of the internet. And why? To satisfy your own sexual gratification."

In sentencing, Whitlock received a sentence of 10 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was subject to a sexual harm prevention order for a period of 10 years, which restricts his access to certain online content and activities. All devices used by Whitlock to store or view such material were ordered to be destroyed, aiming to prevent further offenses.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and the serious consequences faced by those involved in such illegal activities in Northamptonshire and beyond.