ASHLEY DEMPSEY FROM CHADDESDEN CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN DERBY

In June 2017, a man from Derby, identified as Ashley Dempsey, was found to be in possession of indecent images of children, sparking concern and outrage within the community. The incident unfolded when authorities took action after receiving credible information linking Dempsey's internet activity to the illegal material.

Police executed a search warrant at his residence in Chaddesden, a suburb of Derby, after establishing that his online address was associated with the possession of such illicit content. During the search, officers seized his computer equipment, including two memory sticks and a laptop, which contained a total of 86 images. Among these, 35 were classified as the most serious Category A images, depicting the worst forms of child exploitation. Additionally, authorities discovered an extreme pornographic image involving a human engaged in a sexual act with an animal, further highlighting the severity of the material found.

Prosecutor Sarah Slater explained that when police arrived at Dempsey's home, he appeared visibly nervous and agitated. During questioning, he claimed that he had been creating false Facebook profiles. Dempsey admitted to contacting other individuals online, claiming his actions were akin to those of vigilante groups that aim to identify and shame paedophiles by trapping them and reporting their activities to social media platforms like Facebook.

Further investigation revealed that Dempsey, aged 28 and residing on Haydn Road, had pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children, along with an additional count of possessing an extreme pornographic image. The images and videos found on his devices were categorized as 35 in the most serious Category A, 19 in Category B, and 32 in Category C.

At Derby Crown Court, sitting at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court, Recorder Sally Hancox sentenced Dempsey to a 12-month prison term, which was suspended for two years. She also ordered that he be registered as a sex offender for a period of ten years. In her remarks, Recorder Hancox emphasized the grave harm caused by such images, stating, “Whatever your motive was, people who view these images are contributing to appalling child suffering and serious sexual harm. If there is an abundance of images circulating, those involved in producing and distributing them will see you as just another customer.” She concluded by highlighting the importance of accountability and the serious consequences of such actions, ultimately deciding to suspend the prison sentence but ensuring Dempsey’s inclusion on the Sex Offenders' Register for a decade.