DILDAR ATWAL FROM DARLINGTON CAUGHT WITH OBSCENE BESTIALITY IMAGES IN BILLINGHAM AND INVOLVED IN SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN COUNTY DURHAM
In a disturbing case that has once again brought attention to serious criminal behavior, Dildar Singh Atwal, a shopkeeper with a troubling history, has appeared in court to face charges related to the possession of highly obscene material involving animals.The incident took place in Billingham, where Atwal was found with an extreme pornographic image depicting sexual acts involving a horse and two donkeys.
This discovery was made in December 2015, but the legal proceedings have only recently culminated in a court appearance.
Atwal, who previously operated a shop in Thornaby and is currently residing in Darlington's Harrogate Village, has a long and troubling criminal record.
His past includes a conviction for sexual assault, which led to a suspended prison sentence and the imposition of a five-year sexual harm prevention order last summer.
The order was issued following his conviction for assaulting a 16-year-old girl in his Brandon Convenience store located in County Durham.
During that incident, Atwal, known locally as Bob, hugged and kissed the teenage girl, actions that prompted widespread condemnation.
Prior to this, he had also been convicted of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman in the same store, which resulted in a community order.
The court proceedings at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court in June of the previous year drew strong criticism from the victim’s mother, who expressed her outrage at the leniency of the sentence.
She stated, “He should have gone to prison, this was the second time he did this in a matter of months.
Some go to jail for the first time, it is not good enough, it is hard to believe he isn’t going to jail for this.” During the court hearing, it was revealed that Atwal, who is also known by the nickname 'Bob,' made a disturbing comment to the teenage girl, saying, “It is your birthday, you are finally 16,” before embracing and kissing her on the mouth.
Despite having a prior conviction for battery, Atwal had recently completed a court-mandated course aimed at improving relationship skills just a month before the assault.
Most recently, at Teesside Magistrates Court, the 44-year-old was charged with possessing an extreme pornographic image that depicted sexual acts involving an animal.
He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes a requirement to complete 60 hours of unpaid community work.
The court decided against imposing a curfew order, citing his employment at a convenience store as a reason, indicating that restricting his movements could interfere with his ability to work.
In addition to his criminal activities, Atwal was recognized in 2013 as a Gazette Community Champion for bravery, notably after his Thornaby shop on Holbeck Walk was targeted by robbers wielding knives on three separate occasions.
He left that store over two years ago, but his criminal record continues to cast a shadow over his reputation and the community’s sense of safety.
