LEE PEACOCK FROM MELTON CAUGHT WITH 4,600 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN HORRIFIC ONLINE CRIME

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Lee Peacock, a 40-year-old man from Melton, was found to possess an alarming number of indecent images of children on his computer. The investigation, which uncovered a total of 4,603 such images, revealed that these illicit files depicted minors as young as six years old. Peacock, who was employed as a manufacturing manager in the East Riding area, was involved in downloading and viewing these images over a period stretching from November 2009 until his arrest in October of the following year.

The case came to light after a detailed inquiry conducted by the Child Online Protection Agency based in London. This agency specializes in tracking and investigating individuals who access and distribute child pornography via the internet. During the investigation, authorities discovered that Peacock had been actively downloading these illegal images, which ranged in severity. The majority, approximately 4,500 images, were classified at the lowest end of the scale, indicating less severe content. However, there were also 17 images identified at the most serious and disturbing end of the spectrum, highlighting the grave nature of his offenses.

At Hull Crown Court, Peacock pleaded guilty to 13 counts of making indecent images of children. The term 'making' in this context refers to the act of downloading and viewing these images, which constitutes a serious criminal offense. The court heard that Peacock's activities spanned nearly a year, during which he accessed these illicit materials from his home in Melton, specifically on St James Road.

Judge Jeremy Baker QC addressed Peacock directly during the sentencing, emphasizing the severity of his actions. He stated, “In my judgement, you were seeking out a high amount of images of low-level material. When anyone goes onto the internet and searches out any type of material of this nature, they run the risk of downloading more serious levels. Any levels of material are serious in themselves because they involve the exploitation of young children. What you have failed to do is concentrate on the effect of this type of material on those who are involved in it. The singular concern is to prevent a reoccurrence in the future, but more particularly to prevent the exploitation and protect such persons and the public in general.”

As part of his sentence, Peacock has been ordered to participate in a three-year sex offenders treatment program run by Northumbria. Additionally, he is required to submit his computer for inspection by police whenever requested. He has also been banned from working with children and must sign the sex offenders register for a period of five years. The judge issued a stern warning that failure to attend scheduled appointments or comply with the court’s orders could result in resentencing.

Humberside Police’s Internet Sex Offenders Investigation Section, represented by Detective Constable Chris Kipling, issued a statement condemning such crimes. He said, “The unit and Humberside Police as a whole will strive to identify and take firm action against people who are willing to get involved in the online exploitation of children. Anyone behaving in this manner should be aware that this type of offending is viewed very seriously and will be investigated to our fullest extent. Anyone with information about this type of crime or any other should call your local police.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to online child exploitation by calling 101, as authorities continue their efforts to combat this heinous crime and protect vulnerable children from harm.