DAVID RINGWOOD FROM LANCASTER CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN SHOCKING CASE

In October 1999, a disturbing case emerged involving a 32-year-old student from Lancaster who was enrolled at Lancaster University. Described by those who knew him as a 'brilliant man,' this individual was found to possess an alarming collection of child pornography on his personal computer. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the offenses and the profile of the accused.

It was revealed during court proceedings that David Ringwood had accumulated hundreds of explicit images depicting minors. Specifically, he faced 15 charges of creating indecent photographs of children, with prosecutors requesting that an additional 733 similar cases be considered as part of his sentencing. The investigation was initiated after a concerned mother contacted law enforcement authorities, reporting that Ringwood had been filming children under the false pretense that the footage was intended for advertising purposes.

An examination of Ringwood’s computer system uncovered a disturbing cache of digital material. Authorities discovered a total of 814 still images and 101 video clips, of which 43 involved minors. These images had been downloaded and stored on his device, indicating deliberate collection and possession of illegal material. When questioned by police, Ringwood admitted that his motives were sexual in nature and that he sought personal gratification from viewing such content. He further disclosed that he had been a victim of abuse himself during childhood and expressed a disturbing desire to be re-victimized.

During the court hearing, Ringwood’s defense attorney, Mr. Kevin Talbot, provided insight into his client’s background. He described Ringwood as a man who appeared to be 'stuck in a timewarp,' emotionally and sexually still a child victim of past abuse. Despite these troubling revelations, Mr. Talbot emphasized Ringwood’s academic achievements, noting that he had achieved seven 'A' levels and was a successful banker prior to his current academic pursuits. Before reaching the age of 30, Ringwood experienced a nervous breakdown, which led him to pursue an academic career. He was at the time engaged in a PhD program in cognitive linguistics, a field that requires significant intellectual capability.

The presiding judge, Recorder Richard Henriques QC, addressed Ringwood directly, remarking, 'You are almost certainly the most intelligent man in court yet you are the one in the dock. The tragedy was you enjoy looking at material most human beings find repulsive.' The court ordered the forfeiture of Ringwood’s computer, valued at approximately £1,100, as part of the proceedings. Additionally, he was sentenced to two years’ probation by Chorley magistrates and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the need for ongoing monitoring.