ALEXANDER DOBBIE FROM OXTON CAUGHT IN SURREY CHILD SEX ABUSE PLOT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Alexander Dobbie, a 59-year-old resident of Marlborough Grove in Oxton, was sentenced after admitting to serious offences related to child exploitation and indecent images. The case unfolded after police investigations uncovered a series of troubling online conversations between Dobbie and an individual in Surrey, where they discussed their inappropriate interests in young children.

Between June 26 and November 1 of the previous year, Dobbie engaged in conversations with the Surrey-based man, during which they exchanged disturbing comments about children. Dobbie described a young girl he knew as “a little cutie,” and the two discussed their sexual preferences, explicitly mentioning their desire to engage in sexual activities with children. The Surrey man revealed that he had images of girls aged 11 to 12, and Dobbie expressed interest in girls aged 13 and older. At one point, Dobbie told the man he had a picture of an 11-year-old girl dressed in leather, further highlighting the disturbing nature of their exchanges.

Prosecutor Christopher Hopkins told Liverpool Crown Court that these conversations indicated Dobbie’s sexual interest in minors and his willingness to seek and share explicit material. The police investigation in April led to the discovery that Dobbie was one of the individuals involved in these illicit discussions. On May 15, officers visited his home in Bromborough and seized a mobile phone. Subsequent analysis revealed that the device contained 88 indecent images of children, most of which were classified in the least serious category, but nonetheless representing a grave offense.

During police interviews, Dobbie dismissed the seriousness of his actions, describing the conversations as “stupid” and denying the presence of indecent images on his phone. However, the evidence proved otherwise. The court heard that Dobbie’s behavior had severe personal consequences, including the breakdown of his marriage, which he confirmed had ended as a result of his offending.

In sentencing, Judge Anil Murray acknowledged the gravity of Dobbie’s actions, describing his conduct as “very serious and worrying.” Dobbie was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he reoffended within that period. The judge emphasized that Dobbie’s admitted sexual thoughts about children and the nature of his online activities crossed the threshold for custodial punishment.

Additionally, Dobbie was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, participate in 25 days of rehabilitation activities, and attend a probation course. He was also mandated to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same duration, which restricts his internet use to prevent further offending. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory behavior.