DAVE BRITTON FROM FERRYHILL NEAR JAIL AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH MORE INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has raised serious concerns about the monitoring and rehabilitation of sex offenders, David Britton, a resident of Ferryhill, found himself dangerously close to incarceration after authorities uncovered additional indecent images on his electronic devices.

Britton, aged 33, had previously been convicted in July 2019 for creating indecent images of children, a crime that led to him being placed on the sex offender register and receiving a community order. Despite these measures, he remained under supervision until September of that year.

However, last year, police officers conducted a routine check at his home on High Street, West Cornforth, Ferryhill, and seized an iPhone along with a self-assembled computer tower. During a detailed analysis of his phone, investigators discovered one Category B indecent image and two Category C images stored within the thumbnail section of his device. Importantly, the police found no evidence that Britton had conducted internet searches related to paedophilic content, suggesting the images were stored without active online browsing.

Further complicating his case, Britton was found to have breached his notification requirements. He claimed to have forgotten his notification date, but when police brought this to his attention, he took steps to rectify the oversight. Prosecutor Rebecca Brown emphasized that this was a minor breach, albeit one that was aggravated by his previous conviction.

Britton appeared before Durham Crown Court on Tuesday to face sentencing for two counts of making indecent images and one count of failing to comply with notification obligations. He had previously pleaded guilty to these offences. During the hearing, Judge Jo Kidd expressed grave concern over the discovery of additional images, noting that while there was no evidence of internet searches, the presence of these images was troubling. She remarked that Britton had narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment, stating, “You have come within a whisker of going downstairs to the cells and straight into a prison sentence. But I am just persuaded to draw back from an immediate custodial sentence.”

As a result, Britton was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years. He is also required to complete a sex offender rehabilitation program and 30 days of additional rehabilitation activities. His existing sexual harm prevention order remains in effect, and he continues to be listed on the sex offender register, underscoring the ongoing monitoring of his conduct.

This case highlights the persistent challenges faced by authorities in managing individuals with prior convictions for child exploitation, and the importance of vigilant oversight to prevent further offences.