DAVID COLLINS FROM FARNWORTH CAUGHT WITH 12,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES BUT ESCAPES JAIL

In a case that has shocked the community of Farnworth, David Collins was found in possession of an alarming collection of child sexual abuse images, totaling approximately 12,000 videos and pictures. The incident came to light after police executed a raid on his residence on Ashby Close in Farnworth on August 23, 2013, following credible information that led to the investigation.

During the search, officers seized an Acer desktop computer belonging to Collins. A detailed examination of the device revealed a disturbing cache of indecent material, with images depicting children predominantly aged between eight and twelve. The files had been downloaded over a period stretching from September 2011 to June 2013, indicating a sustained and deliberate effort to acquire such content.

Prosecutor David Clarke outlined the severity of the discovery, noting that the computer contained approximately 128 images classified as Category A, which is considered the most serious, along with 47 Category B images and thousands of Category C images. The search history further revealed that Collins had actively searched for child pornography, suggesting a premeditated intent.

At Bolton Crown Court, Collins, aged 46, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. His defense attorney, Peter Warne, argued that Collins had developed an addiction to these images and claimed that his client had initially justified his actions by claiming an 'artistic interest' in the material. Warne expressed that Collins was deeply embarrassed and ashamed of his actions and assured the court that he would not repeat such behavior.

However, the court was not convinced by the defendant’s claims of artistic motivation. Recorder Richard Gioserano explicitly rejected any such justification, emphasizing that Collins’ interest in the images was purely sexual and that his access to the material contributed to the ongoing abuse of children. The judge pointed out that the material was not only morally repugnant but also played a role in perpetuating the cycle of child sexual abuse.

As a consequence of his guilty plea, Collins was sentenced to 12 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years. In addition to the suspended sentence, Collins will be under supervision for 18 months, required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and will be placed on the sex offender register for a decade. He is also prohibited from working with children or vulnerable adults and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.

Furthermore, the court noted that Collins’ partner has left him as a result of the proceedings, highlighting the personal toll of his actions. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the importance of holding offenders accountable, even when they attempt to justify their behavior with false claims of artistic intent.