ROBERT MCNIECE FROM ALVASTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN DERBY

In a serious case brought before Derby Crown Court, Robert McNiece, a 30-year-old resident of London Road, Alvaston, was convicted of possessing a significant collection of indecent images and videos depicting children. The investigation revealed that McNiece had accumulated over 2,000 computer-generated images of children being abused, along with 37 CGI movies portraying similar content. Additionally, authorities discovered one real child image, classified in the least severe category, on one of his computers, raising concerns about the nature of his offenses.

The case gained further attention due to its connection with his brother, Brian McNiece, aged 25, of Uttoxeter New Road, Derby. Just a month prior, Brian had appeared in court and received a similar sentence after admitting to downloading extreme pornography. The police's discovery of these related cases highlighted a troubling pattern within the family.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge John Burgess addressed Robert McNiece directly, stating, “I think you need help.” He emphasized that, while this case was not among the most severe of its kind—most images being computer-generated and not involving actual children—the presence of at least one exploited and abused child image was a serious concern. The judge underscored the gravity of the exploitation involved in that particular image.

Prosecutor Sarah Munro explained that the police had been alerted to the presence of indecent images at the brothers’ residence in Derby. Authorities initially responded to reports that such material was being viewed at their previous address on Gladstone Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the family had since moved to London Road, where they located Robert McNiece. Witnesses described him as pacing nervously and appearing visibly anxious, which prompted officers to arrest him on suspicion of possessing indecent images.

Further investigation revealed that Robert had downloaded these images on 32 separate occasions. Meanwhile, Brian was found at a different address, and authorities uncovered extreme pornographic material on his computers, including 119 images and 62 movies, all downloaded in 2011. This evidence linked both brothers to their respective offenses.

It was noted during the proceedings that this was Robert McNiece’s first conviction. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to comply with a sexual offences prevention order, which restricts his use of electronic devices for internet access unless search histories are retained. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for a period of five years, reflecting the seriousness with which the court views these offenses and the importance of monitoring such behavior to prevent future harm.