DAVID DAWSON FROM BURY AND LEEDS CAUGHT WITH ANIMAL AND CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AT FETISH CLUB

In January 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving David Dawson, a man with connections to both Bury and Leeds, who was found to possess highly illegal and disturbing images related to animal and child abuse. Dawson, known within certain circles by his DJ alias 'Dave the Butcher,' was involved in organizing events at a fetish club called 'Kage Club' in Bury, Greater Manchester. His activities came under scrutiny after a club owner discovered a USB flash drive left behind by Dawson, which contained a horrifying collection of illicit images and videos.

On a Sunday night, Dawson had performed at the Partners Swingers Club, a venue notorious for its provocative atmosphere where attendees often wear bondage attire and engage in activities involving hot wax. It was during this event that the club owner, upon finding Dawson’s USB stick, was confronted with a series of deeply disturbing images. The owner, feeling disgusted and alarmed by the content, promptly contacted law enforcement authorities to report the discovery.

Following the police investigation, Dawson, a resident of Waterloo Street in Leeds, was arrested. A forensic analysis of the USB drive revealed a collection of illegal material, including one Category A image depicting a child, which is classified as the most severe form of child abuse imagery. Additionally, the drive contained a Category B and Category C image, along with 93 extreme pornography images, predominantly involving animals. The content also included nine videos and 84 still images, all of which were deemed highly illegal and morally reprehensible.

The police confirmed that the search terms used on Dawson’s computer included highly explicit and illegal phrases such as “pre-teen,” “naked oriental teen,” and “bestiality,” indicating a disturbing interest in illegal and exploitative material. Dawson was charged with multiple offenses, including making and possessing indecent images of children, possessing extreme pornographic material, and possessing a prohibited indecent image.

During the court proceedings at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, Dawson admitted to the charges. The court heard that Dawson had a long-standing interest in the fetish scene, which, according to the judge, had eventually crossed into criminal territory. Judge Paul Lawton sentenced Dawson to 12 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period.

In his remarks, Judge Lawton emphasized the unusual nature of Dawson’s activities, noting that while nothing illegal occurred during the fetish events themselves, Dawson’s actions pushed the boundaries of morality and legality. The judge remarked, “You have had a long-standing interest in the fetish scene. It was bound to stray into criminality eventually,” and further stated, “It is an unusual way to spend a Sunday afternoon and evenings.”

Law enforcement officials also revealed that Dawson’s online searches and activity indicated a disturbing pattern of interest in illegal content involving minors and animals. Max Saffman, representing Dawson, argued that his client had no previous convictions and that his boundaries had become blurred over time. Dawson pleaded guilty to three charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images of children, as well as possession of extreme and prohibited images. As part of his sentence, Dawson was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the need for ongoing monitoring.