DARREN DAVIDSON OF ST AUSTELL SENTENCED FOR INDECENT IMAGE OFFENCES

In 2017, Darren Davidson, aged 29, formerly of Newquay and most recently residing at Grenville Court, St Austell, was found with hundreds of indecent images of children and animals. He appeared at Truro Crown Court to be sentenced after entering a guilty plea to eight counts.

The charges included six counts of possessing indecent images of children, one count of possessing extreme pornographic material depicting sexual acts involving a dog, and one count of voyeurism for recording a young girl undressing without her knowledge.

Prosecutor Phillip Lee outlined the case, explaining that police carried out a search at Davidson's residence in Newquay in late 2015. Upon discovery, Davidson admitted possessing the images and directed officers to the relevant devices.

"Further information revealed while Mr. Davidson was on bail that he continued to access indecent images while living at his partner’s address in St Austell," Mr. Lee stated. "Additional devices were seized following a search in summer 2016, revealing a secret recording of a girl undressing."

Mr. Lee also noted that Davidson admitted to deriving sexual pleasure from the images, which included those featuring children as young as three.

The police found that Davidson possessed a total of 187 Category A images—the most serious kind—along with 198 Category B images, 405 Category C images, and footage depicting bestiality.

During sentencing, Judge Simon Carr acknowledged that Davidson has Asperger’s syndrome, which affects his ability to empathize with victims. The judge emphasized the serious harm caused by such images, stating, "Every day, tens of thousands of children worldwide are systematically abused because of individuals like you. It’s a lucrative industry, and if people like you didn’t view these images, the abuse would not happen." He added a warning that if Davidson appears before the court again, he would impose the maximum penalty possible.

Judge Carr pointed out aggravating factors, including Davidson’s continued offending while on bail and the large volume of illicit material involved. Consequently, Davidson was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and attend a specialized program addressing his offending.

Furthermore, the judge instructed that any computer used by Davidson must not have its internet history deleted to facilitate police inspections, and he is prohibited from residing in any dwelling with individuals under 16 years of age.