MICHAEL ATKINS FROM BELPER CAUGHT WITH OBSCENE ANIMAL AND CHILD IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Belper, Michael Atkins, a resident of Naseby Road, was found to be in possession of highly inappropriate and illegal images on his personal computer. The police executed a search warrant at his home on January 31, leading to the seizure of a computer tower that contained a disturbing collection of illicit material.

During the forensic analysis of the device, authorities uncovered a total of 60 images and 54 video files. These included extreme pornography involving live animals, as well as indecent images of children. The discovery of such material prompted immediate legal action against Atkins, who was subsequently charged with multiple offenses related to the possession of indecent images and extreme pornography.

Atkins, aged 49, appeared before Derby Crown Court where he admitted to downloading indecent photographs of children, possessing indecent images of minors, and possessing extreme pornographic content. Despite his admissions, it was noted that he had no prior criminal record, which was considered during sentencing.

The court heard that Atkins cooperated with police investigations, returning to assist officers in tracing the origins of the illicit images and identifying those responsible for providing the material. Prosecutor Christopher Gabbitas emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “He also went back to try and help the police with where these images came from, where he received them from.”

Judge John Burgess sentenced Atkins to a five-year period on the Sex Offenders’ Register. Additionally, he was given a three-year community order, which includes participation in a sex offenders’ groupwork program and a requirement to make his computer available for police inspection at any time. The judge highlighted the gravity of the offenses, remarking, “You accessed images of children and animals and that is the exploitation of the abuse of those children. These are not just photographs, they are evidence of child abuse, some of them of the worst kind. That is why courts regard these offenses so seriously and why they have to be stamped out.”

Judge Burgess also acknowledged that Atkins’ interest in such images might have been driven by compulsive behavior, stating, “I am prepared to accept any interest you may have in images of this sort came as a result of your compulsion to view pornography on the internet. People who do that run this sort of risk.”

As part of his sentence, Atkins must also participate in a program designed for sex offenders and submit to regular police checks on his computer. The case has raised concerns within the local community about the dangers posed by individuals with such disturbing interests, and the importance of strict enforcement of laws protecting children and animals from exploitation.