DAVID TAYLOR FROM MARTOCK BRANDED 'APPALLING' BY JUDGE OVER CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Martock, Somerset, David Trevor Taylor, aged 51, was subjected to a stern judicial rebuke after being found guilty of possessing and viewing a vast array of illegal images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing extent of his activities, which spanned over an eight-month period, and the serious nature of the offences committed.

According to court records, police investigations uncovered that Taylor had been actively engaged in downloading and viewing illicit material involving children as young as four years old. The police examined his computer and tablet devices, discovering that he had been accessing these images and videos shortly before the officers arrived at his residence, located at The Acres in Martock. The evidence indicated a deliberate and sustained pattern of illegal activity.

Between October 6, 2016, and June 22, 2017, Taylor admitted to making a total of 570 indecent images and 105 movies of children classified as Category A, the most serious level of such material. In addition, he confessed to two other offences involving 307 indecent images and 22 movies in Category B, along with a staggering 5,210 indecent images and 21 movies in Category C. Furthermore, he acknowledged possessing 42 prohibited images of children during the same period.

Prosecutor Nikki Coombe informed the court that police had been alerted to Taylor’s activities after his IP address was flagged for downloading the illegal content via file-sharing software. She emphasized the disturbing nature of the images, which depicted children as young as four, some of whom appeared visibly distressed, with others being around five or six years old. The images and videos showed children in various states of distress, highlighting the severity of the abuse.

During his arrest, Taylor initially denied deriving any sexual gratification from the material, claiming instead that he was attempting to develop a form of 'empathy' with the victims. He stated that he wanted to understand their pain and put himself in their position. However, this explanation was met with outright condemnation from the presiding judge, David Ticehurst, who described Taylor as a 'perverted paedophile' and an 'appalling example of humanity.'

The judge was visibly angry and questioned Taylor’s claims, pointing out the inconsistency of his actions. He remarked, “So you didn’t look at those images for your own gratification? Then why are you dealing with the Lucy Faithful Foundation? They work with sexual deviants.” Taylor chose to remain silent during the proceedings, understanding the gravity of the accusations against him.

Judge Ticehurst did not hold back in his condemnation, stating, “You are a perverted paedophile who has derived sexual pleasure from the abuse of young girls. Your excuses are utter nonsense. I think you are hiding behind this excuse because you are hiding from the reality of the situation. You are someone who derives pleasure and gratification from these images. You are an appalling example of humanity.”

In sentencing, the judge imposed a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered Taylor to undertake 30 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was required to pay £500 in costs, be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and register as a sex offender for five years. The court also expressed gratitude to the police officer who led the investigation, acknowledging the emotional toll such work can take, with the judge stating, “I know how soul-destroying looking at those kinds of images is.”

Earlier, in February 2018, Taylor had already been brought before Taunton Crown Court to face similar charges. The police had uncovered the extensive illegal material on his devices, which he had been viewing over several months. The evidence showed that he had been actively engaged in viewing and downloading indecent images and videos of children, with the police discovering that he had been doing so just before their arrival at his residence.

Prosecutor Christine Hart highlighted the disturbing nature of the case, emphasizing the large number of Category A images and videos, many of which were easily accessible on his devices. She noted that some images were stored in areas of the computer that were not immediately accessible, indicating a deliberate effort to conceal or organize the illicit material. The magistrates, recognizing the seriousness of the offences, decided that the case was beyond their sentencing powers and ordered that Taylor be transferred to Taunton Crown Court for sentencing scheduled for March 23. Until then, he was released on unconditional bail but was required to sign onto the national Sex Offenders Register within three days of the hearing, underscoring the ongoing concern for public safety.