DAVID BULLAMORE SCARBOROUGH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE: AVOIDING JAIL DESPITE OVER 1,000 OFFENSIVE IMAGES AND VIDEOS

In a case that has sparked significant public concern, David Bullamore, a 50-year-old resident of Westbourne Grove in Scarborough, narrowly escaped imprisonment after being found in possession of a vast collection of indecent material involving children. The court proceedings, held at York Crown Court, revealed that Bullamore had admitted to possessing a total of 21 charges related to the creation and storage of such material, which included 1,342 images and five videos.

These items were discovered during a police search of Bullamore’s residence on September 25, 2010. The search was conducted under a warrant, and the subsequent investigation uncovered the disturbing collection stored on his home computer. Prosecutor Matthew Stephenson detailed that the images primarily consisted of less severe content, but also included a small number of more serious depictions. The material depicted both male and female children, ranging in age from six to 14 years old.

During the court hearing, Glenn Parsons, representing Bullamore, expressed his client’s remorse, stating that he was “deeply ashamed” of his actions. Parsons also highlighted that Bullamore, a mechanical engineer, was experiencing medical difficulties at the time and that his employers were aware of the proceedings, indicating the potential impact on his professional life.

Judge Stephen Ashurst, presiding over the case, emphasized the importance of public safety and the societal outrage concerning individuals who view such material. While acknowledging the severity of the charges, the judge decided against imposing a custodial sentence. Instead, he believed that treatment for sexual offenders would serve the public better than incarceration. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Ashurst also took into account the lengthy duration of the legal process, as well as the shame and embarrassment that Bullamore had brought upon himself.

As part of his sentence, Bullamore was placed under a community order with three years of supervision. He was mandated to participate in a sex offender treatment program and was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years. Additionally, restrictions were imposed on his internet usage and contact with children under 16, through a Sex Offences Prevention Order. Furthermore, an order was issued to prevent Bullamore from working with children, aiming to reduce the risk of future harm.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns surrounding the possession and distribution of child exploitation material, and the judicial system’s efforts to balance punishment with rehabilitation in such sensitive cases.