SAM DEWAR'S SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL IN SWINDON
In May 2016, a personal trainer from Swindon named Sam Dewar was involved in a disturbing case involving the possession and distribution of child abuse images.Dewar, who worked as a personal trainer at the time, was found to have downloaded a significant number of illicit images and videos depicting child abuse, some of which were of the most severe category, involving children as young as five years old.
The investigation was initiated after police officers visited Dewar’s residence in January of the previous year.
During their search, they seized his computer and mobile phone, which revealed a shocking collection of illegal material.
On his computer alone, authorities discovered 142 images, including four classified as the most severe category, depicting acts of child rape involving minors aged between five and thirteen.
Further examination of Dewar’s mobile phone uncovered two videos, lasting 13 and 27 minutes respectively, both categorized as Category A, indicating the most serious level of child abuse content.
The police investigation also uncovered that on December 13, Dewar had uploaded indecent images of children using his internet connection.
During questioning, Dewar initially claimed that he had been searching for legal material and that he had accidentally come across the illegal images, a statement that was contradicted by the evidence.
In court, Dewar, residing on Winlaw Close in Shaw, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.
The prosecution, led by Robin Shellard, detailed the extent of the material found and the timeline of Dewar’s activities.
The police report indicated that Dewar had used search terms like ‘teen porn’ on his devices, further implicating his involvement in seeking out illegal content.
Defense lawyer John Lynch argued that Dewar had taken steps to distance himself from his actions, including ceasing internet use and cancelling his broadband connection following his arrest.
He emphasized that this was Dewar’s first encounter with the criminal justice system and described the incident as an awakening for his client.
Lynch also noted that Dewar had recently started working as a personal trainer after being forced to give up his previous job as a lifeguard due to the charges.
Although Dewar had only one client at the time, he expressed hope of expanding his business, with support from his wife, who was employed.
Judge Tim Mousley QC delivered the sentence, acknowledging the severity of the crimes but also considering Dewar’s age, lack of previous convictions, good work record, and the fact that he was married.
The judge stated, “Most of the images are in the lowest category, Category C, but the videos are in Category A.
It is difficult to determine exactly how long Dewar had been involved in this activity, but it appears to have lasted at least a year.” While contemplating whether to impose a prison sentence, the judge decided that Dewar’s risk to the community could be managed through a community order.
Dewar was sentenced to a 24-month community order, which includes the requirement to complete an internet sex offenders treatment program.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years and to adhere to a sexual harm prevention order that restricts his liberty.
Earlier in April 2016, Dewar had been warned that he could face jail time for downloading indecent images of children.
During that hearing, he admitted to the charges and was told by Judge Mousley that his guilty plea was serious and could result in a custodial sentence.
The case was adjourned to May 6 for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, and Dewar was released on bail pending sentencing.
