ILFRACOMBE MAN IAN PEACOCK ADMITS CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENCES IN COURT HEARING

In a recent court proceeding held at Exeter Crown Court, Ian Peacock, a 47-year-old resident of Ilfracombe, faced serious allegations related to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The case revealed that Peacock had created a fake Facebook profile, under a false identity claiming to be a 15-year-old, in an apparent attempt to conceal his activities and possibly establish contact with minors.

According to court records, Peacock admitted to downloading over 1,000 indecent images of children, a significant number of which were classified as the most severe Category A images. These images reportedly depicted acts of child rape, highlighting the gravity of the offences for which he was charged.

The court was informed that Peacock's Facebook account was used to facilitate these illicit activities, and there is concern that he may have been in email contact with children. However, Peacock has denied any direct communication with minors via email, asserting his innocence in that regard.

Judge Geoffrey Mercer, presiding over the case, acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but decided to adjourn sentencing for four months. This delay was granted to allow law enforcement agencies additional time to conduct further investigations into the use of the Facebook account and to determine whether any contact with children had occurred through other means.

Richard Crabb, representing the defense, emphasized that Peacock has been on police bail for nearly a year and expressed his client's eagerness to see the case resolved. Crabb reiterated that Peacock maintains his innocence concerning any email contact with young people, despite the admissions related to the images.

The case continues to be closely monitored as authorities work to establish the full extent of Peacock's online activities and any potential harm caused to victims or minors involved.