IAN CALDWELL CHATHAM SECURITY GUARD CAUGHT DOWNLOADING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT DULWICH HOSPITAL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Ian Caldwell, a 54-year-old security guard from Chatham, was found guilty of downloading numerous indecent images of children while on duty at Dulwich Hospital. The incident came to light after a colleague discovered that Caldwell's computer had been used to access child sex websites during his night shifts, raising immediate concerns about his conduct and the safety of the hospital environment.

Further investigations by police revealed disturbing evidence at Caldwell's residence. Search warrants executed at his home uncovered that he had not only downloaded but also stored similar illicit images on his son’s computer, indicating a pattern of offending that extended beyond his workplace. Caldwell, who was married and a father of two, had previously been involved in working with children through his local church group, which added a layer of betrayal to the case.

During the court proceedings, Caldwell admitted to the possession and distribution of dozens of indecent images of children. The images were classified at the lowest level of obscenity, which the judge noted was a mitigating factor in his sentencing. Despite the severity of the charges, Caldwell was spared immediate imprisonment and was instead handed a three-year rehabilitation order. This order requires him to undergo psychological treatment and supervision, aiming to address his offending behavior.

The court also imposed a ten-year ban on Caldwell working with children, reflecting the serious concern over his potential risk to minors. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years, a legal requirement intended to monitor and restrict his contact with vulnerable individuals.

In his defense, Roderick Jones stated that Caldwell 'bitterly, bitterly regretted' his actions, emphasizing the remorse felt by his client. The judge acknowledged that Caldwell had avoided a custodial sentence because the images involved were at the lowest level of obscenity, but the gravity of the offense was not diminished.

Furthermore, Caldwell was ordered to contribute £400 towards the costs incurred for forensic analysis of the two computers involved in the investigation. The case, which spanned from October 4, 2003, to October 12, 2004, included 18 counts of making indecent photographs of children, highlighting the extent of his criminal activity over that period.