MITCHELL FRANKLIN AND SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN CORNWALL
Two individuals from Cornwall, Mitchell Franklin and David Podmore, have been found guilty of heinous crimes involving the sharing and possession of child abuse images, as well as discussing their disturbing fantasies.The case, which was heard at Truro Crown Court, revealed the extent of their involvement in these illegal activities.
Mitchell Franklin, aged 76, residing on Dobell Road in St Austell, and David Podmore, aged 44, of Austin Close in Liskeard, appeared before the court to face charges related to their possession of indecent images of children, distribution of such images, and possession of extreme pornography.
Franklin also faced additional charges for attempting to engage in sexual communications with a minor.
The prosecution, led by Hollie Gilbery, detailed how police investigations uncovered Franklin’s disturbing online activities.
In December 2019, authorities received intelligence indicating that Franklin had uploaded an indecent image of a child exposing their genitals to Facebook.
Following this tip-off, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Franklin’s residence, where they confiscated multiple electronic devices.
These devices were later found to contain numerous indecent images of children.
Further investigations in 2021 led to a second warrant, during which police seized two USB drives.
These devices contained more illicit material, including chat logs between Franklin and other individuals with perverted interests, notably including Podmore.
The devices also held sexual videos and images sent by Franklin, illustrating his disturbing online behavior.
The chat logs revealed that Franklin and Podmore not only shared their sexual interest in children but also discussed the possibility of engaging in sexual acts with each other.
Prosecutors highlighted that Podmore was also found to have shared child abuse images, further implicating him in these serious offenses.
One of the charges against Podmore involved an attempt to communicate sexually with a minor.
During this exchange, he sent explicit images of his genitals and suggested meeting for sex, which was part of the evidence leading to his conviction.
It was noted that both defendants maintained good character and expressed remorse for their actions.
Judge Simon Carr addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes.
He remarked that the case exemplified a broader epidemic of individuals consuming legal pornography and progressing into more severe forms of abuse.
The judge condemned the offenses as extremely serious, stating, "What you did was abhorrent.
This business exists because of people like you who view images of children being raped and abused.
Around the world, tens of thousands of children are being raped because of individuals like you who feed this industry." In sentencing, both Franklin and Podmore received 18-month prison sentences, which were suspended for two years.
The court also mandated that they complete rehabilitation programs and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order, aiming to address their perversions and prevent future offenses.
The judge underscored that society benefits most when offenders are treated and their underlying issues are addressed, rather than solely punishing them.
