POOLE MAN CLIVE DEAN CAUGHT WITH DORSET'S LARGEST CHILD PORNOGRAPHY COLLECTION

In a shocking revelation, authorities uncovered the most extensive collection of child pornography images ever seized in Dorset, following a detailed investigation into the home computer of Clive Dean, a resident of Poole.

Clive Dean, aged 53, who works as an accounts clerk, faced serious charges after police found that he had been involved in the possession and creation of indecent images involving minors. Dean admitted to 19 counts related to the production of such photographs, which included over 57,000 images depicting children as young as six years old.

The case came to light in February 2008 when Dorset police, acting on information received from the Metropolitan Police, initiated an investigation into Dean’s activities. The authorities then conducted a thorough examination of Dean’s home computer, which revealed a disturbing pattern of activity spanning from December 2005 to January 2008. During this period, Dean had downloaded approximately four million images, of which 57,004 were identified as indecent photographs of children.

At Bournemouth Crown Court, Dean’s defense was presented by solicitor Robert Griffiths, who explained that Dean, a married man and father of four, had developed an addiction to viewing such material. Griffiths stated, “Like a lot of people, once he started, he couldn’t stop. Viewing this sort of material became an addiction; spiraling out of control.”

He further added that the crimes occurred within the privacy of Dean’s home, while his family was unaware of his activities. Griffiths noted that Dean had recently been made redundant, which resulted in him having more free time, and emphasized that Dean was a man of previously good character. The defense also highlighted Dean’s remorse, stating, “Mr Dean is deeply ashamed of what he has done and has shown a willingness to change his behaviour.”

Additionally, a letter from Dean’s wife was presented to the court, expressing her concern for him. Griffiths conveyed that despite the circumstances, Dean and his wife maintained a successful marriage and relationship.

Judge John Harrow sentenced Dean to three months in prison, emphasizing the gravity of the case. The judge remarked, “These are serious matters. You must realize that people like you are funding a dreadful industry which exploits young children. Some of the images were of children aged about six. You are a father of children, so you should understand the exploitation that must take place to produce these photographs.”

As part of his sentence, Dean was prohibited from working with children and was placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Following the conclusion of the case, Detective Constable James Mullen, who led the investigation, commented, “This was the largest number of indecent images that Dorset police has ever dealt with in one single case. I hope this sends out a clear message that such disgraceful behaviour will not be tolerated.”