DAVID HOWLE FROM CAMBORNE AND REDRUTH ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE NEARLY 20,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In October 2022, a disturbing case emerged involving David Howle, a man from the Camborne and Redruth area, who was found to possess an alarming collection of nearly 20,000 indecent images of children. Despite the severity of the material, Howle was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment but received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges.

Howle, aged 42 and with no fixed address, appeared before Truro Crown Court to face the consequences of his actions. The case was brought to light after police officers responded to suspicions that Howle was viewing illegal material at his then-residence in Camborne. During the investigation, law enforcement officials seized numerous electronic devices believed to contain illicit content. When questioned about the presence of illegal images, Howle chose to remain silent, declining to comment.

Subsequent forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed a disturbing cache of images. Among these, 38 were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe form of child abuse, including images depicting children being raped. Additionally, 94 images fell into Category B, and an astonishing 18,707 images were categorized as Category C, which includes less severe but still illegal material. These images were downloaded over a period spanning from 2014 to 2020, highlighting a prolonged period of offending.

During the proceedings, it was noted that Howle worked as a takeaway delivery driver. His legal team argued that he expressed remorse for his actions and emphasized that he had no prior criminal record. The court was also informed that a warrant had been executed at Howle’s residence on April 29, 2020, leading to the seizure of various electronic devices and equipment.

Judge Galloway, presiding over the case, acknowledged the gravity of the evidence. He pointed out that the examination of Howle’s devices revealed not only a vast number of illegal images but also search terms related to child abuse and tools designed to conceal his activities. The judge remarked on the disturbing nature of Howle’s interest in children, noting that his silence during police questioning further underscored his guilt.

In sentencing, Recorder Galloway imposed an 18-month prison sentence, but this was suspended for two years. As part of his rehabilitation, Howle is required to complete a mental health treatment program, undertake a rehabilitation activity requirement, and perform 100 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future conduct and protect the community from potential harm.