GRIMSBY MAN RYAN DUELL CAUGHT WITH EXTREME AND INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS

In a disturbing case brought before Grimsby Crown Court, Ryan Duell, a 31-year-old resident of Fortuna Way in Grimsby, faced serious charges related to the possession and creation of highly inappropriate and illegal images. The police investigation was initiated after authorities conducted a search of Duell’s residence on July 3 of the previous year, uncovering a troubling collection of digital material on his computer.

During the examination, law enforcement officials discovered a total of 65 indecent photographs depicting young girls, which clearly involved minors and constituted a grave violation of child protection laws. In addition to these, they found 53 images classified as extreme, featuring graphic content involving animals engaged in sexual acts. These findings painted a disturbing picture of the material stored on Duell’s device, raising serious concerns about his involvement in such illicit activities.

Prosecutor Stephen Welch outlined the details of the case, emphasizing that Duell had admitted to seven counts of creating indecent images of children and four counts of possessing extreme images involving animals. The court was informed that Duell was unaware that the images involving animals were illegal, although he acknowledged that the images involving children were unlawful. This distinction was noted during the proceedings, highlighting his awareness of the illegality of the child-related content.

Defense attorney David Lee provided context, stating that all the images had been deleted from Duell’s computer after he viewed them. He also mentioned that Duell had no prior criminal record and had been employed for 13 years at a local company, including five years in a managerial position. Duell was described as a family man, with a wife and a child, and it was noted that his interest in such images developed during a period of emotional distress following a deterioration in his marriage. The couple had since separated, and Duell was said to be deeply ashamed of his actions.

Judge Anton Lodge QC addressed Duell directly, condemning the nature of the images and the harm they represented. He stated that the images depicted the “degradation and humiliation of young girls,” and emphasized that such material was produced by individuals far more immoral and wicked than Duell himself. The judge expressed concern that these images could have had a profoundly damaging impact on the victims, potentially undermining their normal lives.

As part of his sentence, Duell was subjected to a three-year supervision order, which includes mandatory participation in a sex offender treatment program. Additionally, he was issued a five-year sexual offences prevention order and was required to register as a sex offender for the same period. The court’s ruling reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the ongoing risk posed by individuals involved in such illegal activities.