DOUGLAS TURNER FROM BARNSTAPLE SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local community of Barnstaple, a 70-year-old man named Douglas Turner, formerly known for his successful career in the hospitality industry, has been convicted of serious child abuse image offences. Turner, who resides on Strand Lane in Ashford, Barnstaple, appeared before Exeter Crown Court where he received a sentence that, while suspended, carries significant implications for his future.

Turner was found guilty of downloading and possessing child abuse images, some of the most severe categories, including levels four and five, which are classified as the worst types of such material. The court heard that Turner had admitted to 14 charges of making indecent images of children, though he maintained a stance of innocence regarding three other similar charges, which resulted in a formal not guilty verdict.

The investigation into Turner's activities began in 2006 when police were alerted by a German discussion website that had been compromised and used by individuals to exchange and download illegal images. Turner was subsequently arrested in 2007. During police interviews, he claimed that any indecent images he might have seen were accidental and that other people had access to his computers, suggesting that he was not solely responsible for the downloads.

Prosecutor Emily Pitts outlined that Turner’s background included ownership of several hotels, three pubs, and restaurants across Devon, employing around 100 staff at his peak. Despite his previous success, the court was told that Turner’s computer activity involved the creation and download of numerous child abuse images. Tests on his devices revealed that some images had been created in 2006, although Turner claimed he had not used one of his computers for eight years and could not explain the presence of these images.

Most of the charges involved single images, but one charge related to a large collection of images, totaling 1,103 at the most severe category, along with hundreds in other categories. The exact number of images could not be precisely determined, partly because some images were generated automatically by software, creating 'shadows' of the original images.

Defense lawyer David Sapiecha highlighted that Turner had good character references and suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, conditions he argued should be considered, although he acknowledged that these illnesses did not excuse his actions. Sapiecha also noted that Turner’s wife of 50 years, who was present in court but unable to sit in the public gallery due to her health, was deeply affected by the case.

Judge Paul Dunkels QC addressed Turner directly, stating, “You have lost your good character, you have brought disgrace on yourself and you have brought humiliation upon your loyal wife and other members of your family. I have no doubt that this is punishment for you, as well as for them.”

As part of his sentence, Turner was given 48 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was placed under two years of supervision, ordered to comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order until at least the end of 2020 or further order, and required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The court’s ruling underscores the serious nature of his offences and the lasting impact on his personal life and reputation.