NEWTOWNABBEY MAN JAMES SPEERS EXPOSED AS NORTHERN IRELAND'S WORST CHILD PORN OFFENDER

In June 2008, a disturbing case emerged from Newtownabbey involving James Speers, a 41-year-old man who has been identified as one of the most prolific child pornography offenders in Northern Ireland's history. Speers, a former Sunday School teacher, was found to possess an astonishing collection of over 54,000 indecent images depicting children being sexually abused, a number that set a new record for the region.

The revelation came during a court hearing at Belfast Crown Court, where it was confirmed that the sheer volume of images in Speers' possession was unprecedented among individual offenders in Northern Ireland. The authorities uncovered his extensive collection after suspicions arose at his workplace, the University of Ulster, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to his arrest.

Speers' criminal activities did not go unnoticed for long. His employers at the university became suspicious of his online activity, which prompted further scrutiny. The police were called in, and during their investigation, they discovered the vast trove of illicit images stored on his computer. The severity of his offense was underscored by the fact that it was the highest number of such images ever found in an individual's possession in the country.

Following his arrest, Speers was remanded in custody and served nine months in prison before being sentenced on Friday, July 13. His sentence included a ban from entering within 50 meters of schools and playgrounds for life, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes. Despite his time behind bars, he is expected to be released and walking free again by 2012.

Speers' family members expressed their shock and shame upon learning of his conviction. A cousin, who wished to remain anonymous, described the family’s feelings, stating, “When I think about what he has done, the thought of it makes me sick.” The cousin also revealed that Speers was the eldest of five children and described him as a “loner,” often staying indoors and spending much of his time on his computer. He recounted that he last saw Speers during a visit to his mother’s house the previous summer, where Speers was in his room.

The family member also shared his disgust, saying, “I feel really nauseated. It’s disgusting. I have two young boys, and I’m annoyed that my kids and I were ever in the same room as him.” He emphasized the importance of protecting children from predators like Speers, stating, “Children need to be protected from sex fiends like Speers.”

Speers' arrest and subsequent conviction have shocked the local community, especially given his previous role as a Sunday School teacher at a local church. His actions have brought shame not only to his family but also to the community that once trusted him. The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals who hide their criminal activities behind seemingly normal facades, and it underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.