DANGEROUS SEX OFFENDER DAVID FAGAN CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN SUNDERLAND
In a disturbing development, David Fagan, a man with a troubling criminal history, was found in possession of indecent images of children during a police check at his residence in Sunderland.The incident occurred on December 1, when officers conducted a routine, unannounced visit to his home on Elemore Lane, Easington Lane, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor registered sex offenders.
Fagan, aged 35, was discovered to have five indecent images of minors aged between five and 16 years old stored on his electronic devices.
These images included three classified as Category B and two as Category C, with the content dating from November 16 to December 2, 2018.
The police's discovery was particularly alarming given Fagan’s prior conviction for similar offences, which had taken place four years earlier.
In 2016, Fagan was convicted of multiple offences related to the creation and possession of indecent images of children, as well as possession of extreme pornography.
As part of his sentence, he was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and was placed on the sex offenders’ register.
The SHPO was indefinite, meaning law enforcement officers could carry out unannounced visits to his residence at any time to ensure compliance.
Magistrates in South Tyneside heard that the order had no expiration date, emphasizing the ongoing nature of his monitoring.
During the police visit, prosecutor Becky Slade explained that an officer, tasked with managing registered sex offenders, arrived at Fagan’s home shortly before 5 pm.
The officer’s primary purpose was to verify whether Fagan was adhering to the conditions of his SHPO.
Upon inspection, the officer observed that Fagan’s main computer showed evidence of a search related to the sexual abuse of young female children.
This prompted the officer to caution Fagan and arrest him on the spot.
Ms.
Slade further detailed that Fagan claimed he had started downloading the images but had stopped before viewing them.
Authorities seized three devices from the property, with the images specifically located on one computer.
The court was informed that the possession of Category B images, which are considered of moderate severity, typically carries a starting point of six months in prison.
Category C images are deemed less serious but still constitute a criminal offence.
Fagan’s criminal record was outlined, revealing a previous conviction that involved 11 offences, including making indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography.
His earlier sentence included a three-year community order and an indefinite SHPO, which was still in effect at the time of his latest offences.
Although the community order has since expired, the SHPO remains active, underscoring the seriousness of his violations.
Fagan pleaded guilty to two charges related to the creation and possession of indecent images of children.
His defense lawyer, David Forrester, agreed that the case should be transferred to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing.
Fagan was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, April 13.
Magistrates also ordered him to attend a police station within three days to notify authorities of his recent conviction, highlighting the ongoing legal scrutiny he faces.
