DAVID PODMORE AND MITCHELL FRANKLIN SHOCK CORNWALL WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND DISTURBING CHATTER IN LISKEARD AND ST AUSTELL
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through Cornwall, two men with deeply troubling histories of child exploitation have been brought to justice for their involvement in sharing and discussing child abuse material.David Podmore, aged 44, from Austin Close in Liskeard, and Mitchell Franklin, aged 76, from Dobell Road in St Austell, appeared before Truro Crown Court to face serious charges related to their possession, distribution, and creation of indecent images of children.
Both individuals pleaded guilty to multiple offenses, including three counts of making indecent images of children, distributing such images, and possessing extreme pornography.
Additionally, Podmore admitted to attempting to engage in sexual communications with a minor.
The court proceedings revealed the extent of their depravity and the disturbing nature of their online activities.
The case was initiated after police received intelligence in December 2019 indicating that Franklin had uploaded an indecent image of a child exposing their genitals to Facebook.
Law enforcement officers responded promptly, executing a search warrant at Franklin’s residence.
During the search, they confiscated several electronic devices, which were subsequently found to contain numerous indecent images of children.
The investigation did not stop there; in 2021, a second warrant was executed, leading to the seizure of two USB devices.
These devices contained even more illicit material, including chat logs between Franklin and other individuals with perverted interests, among them Podmore.
The chat logs uncovered during the investigation revealed a disturbing dialogue between Franklin and Podmore, in which they discussed their sexual interest in children.
The conversations went further, with Franklin sending sexual videos and images, and even contemplating the possibility of having sex with each other.
Prosecutors highlighted that Podmore was also found to have shared child abuse images, further emphasizing the severity of their offenses.
One of the charges against Podmore involved attempted sexual communication with a minor.
Evidence showed that he engaged in a chat with someone believed to be a young girl, during which he sent explicit images of his genitals and suggested they meet for sex.
This act of attempting to initiate a sexual encounter with a minor underscores the dangerous and predatory behavior exhibited by both men.
During the court hearing, the prosecution, led by Hollie Gilbery, emphasized the gravity of the crimes.
Despite the heinous nature of their actions, both defendants were described as being of good character and expressed remorse for their conduct.
Judge Simon Carr addressed the court, stating that the case exemplified a broader epidemic of individuals consuming legal pornography and progressing into more severe forms of child exploitation.
He condemned the offenses as extremely serious and abhorrent, noting that such behavior fuels a global industry that rapes and abuses children.
Judge Carr also acknowledged the mitigating factors presented, including the defendants’ remorse and character, but reaffirmed the importance of addressing their perversions through appropriate sentencing.
Both Podmore and Franklin were sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.
They are also required to complete rehabilitation programs and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, aimed at preventing further offending and protecting the community from their dangerous behaviors.
