DANIEL ROBINSON FROM EARLS COLNE CAUGHT POSING AS A BOY IN ONLINE SEXUAL CHAT

In August 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Daniel Robinson, a resident of Earls Colne, who engaged in online sexual misconduct by impersonating a young boy. Robinson utilized the popular messaging app KIK to communicate with an individual operating under the username Footlong. During their conversation, Robinson adopted the persona of a child and was asked to send a photograph of himself. In response, he complied and sent an indecent image multiple times, which was later identified as inappropriate material.

Authorities became aware of the situation when they detected the upload of illicit content to the internet. An investigation linked the account to Robinson through checks with the service provider. Subsequently, police officers visited his home on De Vere Road in Earls Colne, where they confiscated various electronic devices, including a mobile phone. Examination of the device revealed the same indecent image stored on it, albeit cropped in seven different ways to possibly evade detection.

During police interviews, Robinson admitted to his actions but claimed he was unaware that possessing or sharing such material was illegal. The case was brought before Colchester Magistrates’ Court, where the 34-year-old man pleaded guilty to possessing a Category C indecent image and distributing it. The incident in question occurred in August of the previous year.

While the magistrates acknowledged their jurisdiction over the case, they decided to adjourn proceedings to allow for a comprehensive pre-sentence report to be prepared. Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 19. In the meantime, an interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order has been imposed, restricting Robinson’s internet usage. He is prohibited from deleting browsing history on any internet-enabled devices and must provide access to these devices to police officers upon request.

Additionally, Robinson has been subjected to notification requirements, meaning he must register his details with authorities and comply with ongoing monitoring. He has been granted bail and will remain free until the sentencing date, pending further legal proceedings.