DARREN MOUNTIE FROM COBHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT EPSOM HOSPITAL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Darren Mountie, a 31-year-old security guard residing in Cobham, was sentenced to nine months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and creating a significant collection of explicit images involving young boys. The disturbing discovery was made during a police investigation unrelated to Mountie, which led officers to his residence at Woodman Lodge, a security accommodation within Epsom Hospital.

Prosecutor Shekinah Anson detailed that authorities uncovered approximately 1,500 indecent photographs depicting boys aged between five and 16 years old. These images, which included scenes of sexual acts, were located on two laptops seized from Mountie’s flat. The court was informed that some of these images were of particularly high obscenity, highlighting the severity of the material involved.

The investigation was initiated during an unrelated police inquiry, but the subsequent analysis of the electronic devices revealed the extent of Mountie’s possession of illegal images. The court heard that the images were stored on two separate laptops, which were thoroughly examined by forensic experts. The discovery of such a large quantity of illicit material was described as profoundly disturbing by the presiding judge.

During the court proceedings, Damian van Duyvenbode, representing Mountie, explained that his client, a former member of the Royal Air Force, only became aware of the illegality of his actions when advised by his solicitor. Van Duyvenbode also revealed that Mountie had experienced a turbulent period following his departure from military service, during which he associated with undesirable individuals and began abusing drugs. The defense suggested that Mountie’s involvement with the material was influenced by this troubled lifestyle.

However, Recorder Miss Daphne Wickham was unequivocal in her remarks, stating, “Police officers were not expecting to find what they did. This was revolting viewing.” She emphasized the gravity of the offense and the disturbing nature of the images found.

As part of his sentence, Mountie was disqualified from working with children and was placed on the sex offender’s register for a period of seven years. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, raising concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.