DAVID MCKAY'S SHOCKING REIGN OF CRIME IN DURHAM AND STOCKTON: SEX OFFENDER BACK BEHIND BARS

In a disturbing series of events spanning several years, David McKay, a known sex offender with ties to both Durham and Stockton, has once again found himself incarcerated following the discovery of illicit electronic devices in his possession. The latest incident occurred in May 2020, when police officers conducting a routine inspection uncovered a hidden laptop and a spy camera disguised as a torch in McKay's residence. These devices were not declared or registered as required by law, raising serious concerns about his compliance with the terms of his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

McKay, aged 68 at the time, is subject to strict restrictions on owning devices capable of internet access unless they are officially registered with the police. His criminal history includes a conviction in 2012 for possessing indecent images, voyeurism, and theft of female underwear. Since that conviction, he has been under close scrutiny, with the law imposing conditions designed to prevent further offenses.

During the police search of his home on Londonderry Road, Stockton, officers found the concealed laptop beneath his bed. When questioned, McKay admitted to officers that he had been too 'lazy' to register his new laptop, which he had failed to declare. Further searches revealed additional electronic items, including a torch, computer hard drives, and two iPods. McKay subsequently pleaded guilty to breaching his SHPO by failing to register the laptop.

Prosecutor Dr. Chris Wood highlighted that the police had not yet examined the contents of the hard drives or other devices, prompting concern from the court about potential illegal material that might be stored on them. The case was brought before Judge Jonathan Carroll, who expressed his astonishment at the lack of analysis of the devices and questioned whether the police had any plans to investigate their contents thoroughly.

In a related case from June 2018, McKay's disturbing history was further detailed. At that time, he was living in Stockton after relocating from Durham's Gilesgate Moor. Police had discovered more than 50,000 indecent images of children on his devices, including videos and pictures of babies as young as nine months being abused. This discovery was made during a monitoring visit by authorities, who were acting on information from an earlier conviction for similar offenses.

McKay, then 66, had previously been sentenced to two years in prison and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). Despite his release, he moved to Stockton and resumed his illegal activities, downloading more illicit material from the internet. His court case involved multiple charges, including making indecent images, possessing prohibited content, and breaching the SOPO. His defense acknowledged the severity of his actions, with his barrister, Amrit Jandoo, describing the offenses as 'alarming' and noting McKay's fragile health, including a recent heart attack and pneumonia.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, recognized McKay's health issues, indicating that any immediate custodial sentence would be particularly challenging for him to serve. The court's concern remained about the ongoing investigation into the content stored on his devices, which had yet to be examined for illegal material.

Earlier, in April 2018, McKay's violations of his court-imposed restrictions were again brought to light. He had downloaded over 54,000 indecent images of children between April 2015 and October of the previous year. His breach involved possessing a smartphone and an iPad, devices he was prohibited from owning under the terms of his Sopo. The court heard that he had also admitted to making indecent images, possessing extreme pornography, and holding a paedophile manual that provided guidance on abusing children.

McKay's history of offenses, combined with his repeated breaches of court orders, underscores the ongoing threat he poses. His case continues to be monitored closely, with sentencing pending after his latest admissions. The courts remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent further harm from this convicted sex offender, who has a long and troubling record of criminal behavior in both Durham and Stockton.