DEAN SUMNER FROM SOUTHSEA CAUGHT WITH GROSSE IMAGES OF CHILDREN AND EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY

In June 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Dean Sumner, a resident of Southsea, who was found to possess highly disturbing images involving children and extreme pornography. The case was brought before Portsmouth Crown Court, where it was revealed that Sumner, aged 52, had been caught in a serious breach of the law related to indecent images and extreme content.

According to court reports, Sumner was considered a well-regarded figure in the local community, known for his work as a graphic artist. However, his reputation was marred when police intelligence uncovered that he had been viewing and downloading grotesque images of children on his personal computer. These images depicted young girls ranging from toddlers to teenagers, highlighting the disturbing nature of his online activity.

The police investigation was initiated after authorities received intelligence that led them to monitor Sumner’s internet activity. It was during this surveillance that they discovered he had downloaded and failed to delete these illicit images. The police then executed a search warrant at his residence on Bramble Close, Southsea. During the search, officers found the images stored on his laptop, confirming his possession of the material. Sumner admitted to having viewed the images prior to his arrest, which took place at his home.

In addition to the child images, police also found an extreme pornographic image involving an individual engaged in sexual intercourse with an animal. This further underscored the severity of the material found on his device.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor James Kellam explained that Sumner claimed his actions were a mistake, asserting that he came across the images unintentionally while browsing the internet. Kellam emphasized that the images were discovered after police intelligence was alerted to his activity, leading to the subsequent investigation and arrest.

Judge Timothy Mousley QC, presiding over the case, addressed Sumner’s background and character. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the judge acknowledged that Sumner had no previous convictions and was highly regarded by those who provided character references. The judge remarked, “You are thought of highly and benefit from a great deal of support which some may say you do not deserve.”

In sentencing, Judge Mousley imposed a 24-month community order on Sumner. He was also instructed to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £40. Additionally, Sumner was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for five years, restricting his access to certain online content and monitoring his activities to prevent further offenses.