TIDWORTH EX-SOLDIER DAVID LUMSDEN CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE
| Red Rose Database
Tidworth Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tidworth, David Lumsden, a former soldier with a promising military career, has been found in possession of a significant number of child abuse images and other prohibited material. The incident came to light after police conducted a raid on his residence in Ashdown Terrace, Tidworth, in April 2019, uncovering a disturbing collection of over 400 extreme pornographic pictures along with 37 images depicting child abuse.
Authorities discovered the illicit content stored on an Acer laptop and an iPhone during the raid at his barracks in Aldershot. The images reportedly originated from what Lumsden described as a 'morbid curiosity,' and included a small number of videos. Prosecutors revealed that Lumsden had been involved in an online network that distributed such images via the messaging platform Kik, where he served as an administrator.
At the time of his arrest, Lumsden was only 21 years old, and his actions have cast a shadow over his previously promising future. The court was informed that he had joined the Army at the age of 16, demonstrating dedication and hard work, training as a mechanic, and maintaining an exemplary attitude towards his duties. However, he was dismissed from the Army on the day he appeared in court, a decision that has been described as a significant loss for his career.
During the hearing at Winchester Crown Court, Lumsden’s solicitor, Felicia Davy, emphasized his positive attributes, stating, “He trained himself as a mechanic and was exemplary in his attitude towards his duties. He was 21 at the time of his arrest. He held his hands up to his own responsibility. As a teenager going into that environment, it seems there has been an interest that has gone too far.”
Judge Andrew Barnett, the Recorder of Salisbury, addressed Lumsden directly, expressing his view that a community-based sentence would serve the public interest better than a short prison term. The judge condemned the nature of the material Lumsden had viewed, describing it as “quite revolting,” and emphasized the shame he should feel for his actions. Despite his lack of prior convictions and his military background, the judge noted the seriousness of the offense.
In recognition of Lumsden’s efforts at rehabilitation, the judge imposed a three-year community order. This includes mandatory treatment for sex offenders, 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and 60 days of unpaid work. Additionally, Lumsden is subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from owning any device with internet access unless he reports it to the police.
Earlier in January 2021, Lumsden had already admitted to possessing child abuse images, including 33 indecent images of children, four of which were classified as Category A, the most severe. He was also charged with possessing four prohibited images of a child and 32 images depicting sexual acts with animals. His case was scheduled for sentencing at Winchester Crown Court on January 29, and he was released on unconditional bail pending the hearing.
This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the possession and distribution of child abuse images, and the serious consequences faced by those involved, regardless of their background or previous conduct.
Authorities discovered the illicit content stored on an Acer laptop and an iPhone during the raid at his barracks in Aldershot. The images reportedly originated from what Lumsden described as a 'morbid curiosity,' and included a small number of videos. Prosecutors revealed that Lumsden had been involved in an online network that distributed such images via the messaging platform Kik, where he served as an administrator.
At the time of his arrest, Lumsden was only 21 years old, and his actions have cast a shadow over his previously promising future. The court was informed that he had joined the Army at the age of 16, demonstrating dedication and hard work, training as a mechanic, and maintaining an exemplary attitude towards his duties. However, he was dismissed from the Army on the day he appeared in court, a decision that has been described as a significant loss for his career.
During the hearing at Winchester Crown Court, Lumsden’s solicitor, Felicia Davy, emphasized his positive attributes, stating, “He trained himself as a mechanic and was exemplary in his attitude towards his duties. He was 21 at the time of his arrest. He held his hands up to his own responsibility. As a teenager going into that environment, it seems there has been an interest that has gone too far.”
Judge Andrew Barnett, the Recorder of Salisbury, addressed Lumsden directly, expressing his view that a community-based sentence would serve the public interest better than a short prison term. The judge condemned the nature of the material Lumsden had viewed, describing it as “quite revolting,” and emphasized the shame he should feel for his actions. Despite his lack of prior convictions and his military background, the judge noted the seriousness of the offense.
In recognition of Lumsden’s efforts at rehabilitation, the judge imposed a three-year community order. This includes mandatory treatment for sex offenders, 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and 60 days of unpaid work. Additionally, Lumsden is subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from owning any device with internet access unless he reports it to the police.
Earlier in January 2021, Lumsden had already admitted to possessing child abuse images, including 33 indecent images of children, four of which were classified as Category A, the most severe. He was also charged with possessing four prohibited images of a child and 32 images depicting sexual acts with animals. His case was scheduled for sentencing at Winchester Crown Court on January 29, and he was released on unconditional bail pending the hearing.
This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the possession and distribution of child abuse images, and the serious consequences faced by those involved, regardless of their background or previous conduct.