THOMAS PERKINS DRONFIELD SEX OFFENDER CAUGHT WITH 33,000 CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AT DERBY CROWN COURT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Dronfield, Thomas Perkins, a 58-year-old man residing on Wilson Street, was brought before Derby Crown Court after police uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images. The investigation was initiated when authorities executed a search warrant at Perkins' home on February 19 of the previous year, leading to the discovery of over 33,000 illicit images and videos depicting child abuse.

These images included both photographs and movies, some of which involved children as young as six to eight years old. The sheer volume and disturbing nature of the material prompted a serious legal response, with Perkins facing multiple charges related to the possession and downloading of indecent images of children.

During the court proceedings, Judge John Burgess addressed Perkins directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. He remarked, “You have pleaded guilty to downloading pictures and movies most right-thinking people think are absolutely disgusting. They are also incredibly damaging to you and far worse to all the children who have been abused in the making of those movies and pictures. Just imagine if your little sister, or someone like that, was being abused for the gratification of people. You would want them punished.”

Perkins admitted to five counts of downloading indecent images of children, with the offenses spanning from April 2004 to February 2013. The court heard that Perkins had initially claimed he searched for images of teenagers over 16, seeking adult pornography, and that any younger material he received was immediately deleted. He stated that he derived sexual gratification from images of 16 to 17-year-olds but claimed he did not seek out images of children under the age of 16.

Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Burgess opted for a rehabilitative approach rather than immediate imprisonment. He imposed a three-year probation order, requiring Perkins to participate in a sex offenders’ programme and to make his computer available for police checks. The judge highlighted that such treatment was deemed more constructive than incarceration, aiming to address the underlying issues and prevent future offending.

Mrs. Annette Thomas, representing Perkins, noted that he had no prior criminal record and had cooperated fully with police during the investigation. The prosecution, led by Sarah Allen, underscored the disturbing nature of the evidence, emphasizing that some of the images involved children aged between six and eight. Allen pointed out that Perkins had initially claimed he searched for images of teenagers over 16 and that any younger material was deleted immediately, suggesting a level of awareness and intent in his actions.

This case has once again brought to light the dangers posed by individuals who possess and seek out such harmful material, and it underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial measures to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.