Bassetlaw pervert downloaded sex abuse images of children as young as three
A Bassetlaw pervert who downloaded sex abuse images of children as young as three is unable to accept his sexual attraction to kids because he is so ashamed, a court has heard.
David Dawson was “initially confrontational” and refused police entry when they arrived at his Gringley on the Hill home just before 7.30am on July 15, last year, said Abigail Hill, prosecuting.
He was arrested and his laptop was found to contain 53 Category A images, 59 category B images, and 115 category C images, including one movie, downloaded between June 9 to July 4 last year.
Prohibited images and extreme pornography were also found on his computer and, although they were not separately charged, they aggravated his position, Ms Hill told Nottingham Crown Court.
The children featured in the images were aged between three and 13, and open tabs on his browser contained search terms like "paedo daddy" and "lolita."
Thomas Worsfold, mitigating, said Dawson, who deserves full credit for his early guilty plea, has since engaged with therapy and an online course.
"There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation,” he said. “His risk can be managed in the community.
"He is clearly ashamed of his offending and this has proven to be a barrier to him talking about it with the probation service.”
Dawson, aged 64, of Finkell Street, admitted three counts of making indecent images of children when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court on March 17.
“You are deeply embarrassed and fearful of others finding out what you have done, not least among your own family,” Judge Nirmal Shant KC told him on Tuesday.
“That may be why you are not able to accept your attraction to children.”
She said custody would mean the loss of his business, rented home and the work he has already done with the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
"Despite your denial, I have taken the view your risk can be managed in the community,” the judge said. “But if you prove me wrong, I am afraid it will be a breach of the order and you will be serving a custodial sentence.”
Dawson received ten months, suspended for two years, with 15 rehabilitation days and 70 hours of unpaid work.
A sexual harm prevention order for ten years was also imposed.