MALCOLM CANE, ESSEX, CAUGHT WITH THOUSANDS OF INDECENT IMAGES IN 2017

In September 2017, Malcolm Cane, a 33-year-old from Essex Square, was found to be in possession of nearly 4,000 indecent images, including eight categorized as 'extreme' pornography. Court proceedings revealed that some of these images depicted children as young as three months old.

A total of 831 images classified as Category A—the most severe—1,180 as Category B, and 1,879 as Category C were discovered on a hard drive, laptop, and iPad belonging to Cane. The investigation was conducted by Wiltshire Police in cooperation with The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre during a search warrant at Cane’s residence.

Prosecutor Anthony Bailey noted that Cane immediately knew why police were present, stating, 'Immediately he said he knew why police were there.' The court heard that Cane described viewing the images as an 'obsession.' Bailey added, 'He said he would delete the images of children then replace them, and he had been doing this for about two years since the death of his grandmother.'

Cane claimed that he was only sexually attracted to online images of girls aged 14 and above, asserting, 'He said he would delete the images of children then replace them, and he had been doing this for about two years since the death of his grandmother.' However, police also discovered that Cane used an online forum to share indecent images with other paedophiles.

Although Cane admitted to viewing extreme pornographic images, he denied actively searching for such material, claiming he would delete it immediately after viewing.

Defense attorney Andrew Stone highlighted Cane’s cooperation with authorities and his feelings of shame, stating, 'He was haunted by his behaviour and has feelings of loathing and disgust against himself.'

During sentencing, Recorder Paul Garlick QC emphasized the severity of the offences, particularly noting the more than 800 Category A images as extremely serious. The court acknowledged Cane’s use of a website to share these images and the fact that his activity spanned approximately two years.

Although Cane had no prior convictions and was credited for his early admissions, he was sentenced to a 36-month community order, with 25 days of rehabilitation required. Additionally, Cane was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for five years and pay a victim surcharge.