DAVID WILKINS FROM PORTSMOUTH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER VIEWING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In November 2014, a man named David Wilkins, residing on Everdon Lane in the Anchorage Park area of Portsmouth, was found to possess a disturbing collection of indecent images of children. Despite the severity of the discovery, Wilkins was not sent to prison but received a suspended sentence that reflected the gravity of his actions.

Police officers executed a search of Wilkins' residence and uncovered a total of 55 images depicting children aged between two and 16. These images were classified as category ‘B’ and category ‘C’ under the relevant classification system, indicating they were among the less severe but still illegal types of child abuse imagery. The presence of these images prompted immediate legal action and a detailed investigation.

During questioning, Wilkins, aged 56, admitted to nine counts of making indecent images of a child. The prosecution, led by Matthew Lawson at Portsmouth Crown Court, highlighted that the images found on Wilkins’ computer were of a nature that warranted serious concern, despite their categorization as less severe. The court was informed that Wilkins’ computer activity included searches for naturist sites, but the search terms he used raised suspicion because they were more indicative of interest in indecent images of children.

Wilkins, described as a reclusive individual with no prior criminal record, explained that he had been researching naturist topics. However, the evidence suggested otherwise, leading to his conviction. The court heard that Wilkins lives alone and maintains a solitary lifestyle, which may have contributed to his ability to conceal his activities.

In sentencing, Judge Linda Sullivan QC imposed a four-month jail term, but this was suspended for two years, meaning Wilkins would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years and was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order prohibits him from deleting his computer browsing history and restricts his use of any device capable of internet access unless it can display and retain the browsing history for police inspection.

Wilkins is also required to make his devices available for police inspection upon request and must attend a specialized sex offender treatment program. He remains under supervision to ensure compliance with the court’s orders.

Addressing Wilkins during sentencing, Judge Sullivan emphasized the damaging impact of such offences on children. She stated, ‘Such offences cause enormous damage to children because of course the children have to be used in order to produce the pictures that were present on the computer and had to therefore be forced or pressured to engage in indecent behaviour.’ The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims from further harm.