PAIGNTON SEX OFFENDER MARTIN COPE CAUGHT WITH CHILD RAPE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Paignton, Martin Cope, a 59-year-old man with a long history of sexual offenses, was found to be in possession of highly disturbing child abuse images. Cope, who resides on Totnes Road in Paignton, has previously been convicted six times for offenses related to indecency and exposure, and was registered as a sex offender at the time of his latest offense.

During a police investigation, authorities discovered a laptop in Cope’s bedroom that contained a collection of illicit material. The device had been used to download and view graphic content depicting children as young as six being abused. Among the titles found on the laptop were appalling descriptions such as 'You're watching a six-year-old strip' and 'Webcam mum fondles her toddler.' These titles suggest a disturbing interest in the sexual exploitation of very young children.

Further examination of the device revealed that it contained a total of 44 images and one video classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of child abuse material. Additionally, there were 48 images and one video categorized as Category B, and 172 images in Category C, which is considered the lowest level of severity. The police also recovered internet search history and terms that confirmed Cope had actively viewed and sought out images depicting serious abuse of young girls around the age of six.

In his police interview, Cope claimed that he had 'given up his sexual interest in children' and compared this change to quitting smoking. He stated that he had 'changed his thinking' and believed he had moved on from his previous inclinations. However, his actions and the evidence collected directly contradicted his claims.

Cope admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children during his court appearance at Exeter Crown Court. The presiding judge, Recorder Mr. Martin Meeke, QC, considered his criminal history and the nature of the offenses. While he initially suggested that a one-year prison sentence might be appropriate, he ultimately decided that Cope would benefit more from a specialized sex offenders' treatment program, which could help prevent future offending.

In addition to the treatment order, Cope was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). This legal restriction limits his access to children and grants police the authority to monitor his online activity for the next five years, aiming to prevent any further harm or reoffending.

Gareth Evans, prosecuting, detailed the police operation that led to the discovery. On December 8 of the previous year, officers searched Cope’s residence and found the laptop, which had been used to download the illicit images. Although Cope claimed to have deleted the files, specialist software was able to recover the material, revealing the extent of his offending. The evidence showed a disturbing pattern of viewing and possessing child abuse images, with the most severe category material being particularly graphic and disturbing.

Earlier in June 2017, Cope had admitted to downloading child abuse images, leading to his appearance at Exeter Crown Court. The judge ordered a pre-sentence probation report to better understand Cope’s background before finalizing his sentence. Cope was released on bail pending the report, with the court emphasizing the importance of assessing his circumstances thoroughly before any sentencing decision was made.